Phnom penh: Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has expressed support for the United Nations Special Rapporteur's intention to visit Cambodia's border areas to evaluate the situation of people displaced by the border conflict. He also provided insights into the history of the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute and its effects on Cambodian civilians.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the remarks were made during a courtesy meeting between Samdech Techo and Mr. Thomas Andrews, the newly appointed UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, at the Senate's Solidarity Palace. During the meeting, Samdech Techo congratulated Mr. Andrews on his new role, expressing hope that the rapporteur's mission would enhance understanding of Cambodia's human rights and democratic development through direct observation.
Mr. Andrews expressed gratitude to Samdech Techo for the meeting, viewing it as a sign of Cambodia's openness to dialogue on human rights. He highlighted his previous experience as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, noting the unique opportunity to meet a country's top leadership in Cambodia.
He praised Cambodia for ratifying several international human rights treaties and shared his plans to visit the Cambodia-Thailand border to meet displaced people and assess the situation personally. Mr. Andrews also addressed concerns related to human rights, particularly freedom of expression.
In response, Samdech Techo acknowledged the Special Rapporteur's recognition of Cambodia's achievements in human rights. He emphasized that fundamental rights to life, peace, and stability are essential for safeguarding other freedoms, including freedom of expression. Samdech Techo reiterated Cambodia's openness to constructive criticism, as long as it aligns with the Constitution and existing laws.
He further noted that no country is perfect in the fields of human rights and democracy, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement. Samdech Techo expressed hope that Mr. Andrews would maintain close collaboration with the Royal Government to advance human rights and democratic development in Cambodia.