UN Expert Flags Human Rights Concerns over Cambodia After Talks with PM in Phnom Penh
Tom Andrews said border closures and Thai troop control have kept more than 20,000 people from returning home.
- On Friday, July 31, 2026, UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews reported that more than 20,000 Cambodian civilians remain displaced along the border with Thailand following conflict last year.
- Of the approximately 650,000 civilians displaced at the end of 2025, many cannot return home because Thai troops occupy their villages; Thailand denies charges of illegal occupation, claiming it follows a bilateral ceasefire agreement.
- The border row and a "cyberscam crisis" have damaged the economy, causing trade to fall nearly 40% to US$1.15 billion in the first five months of this year, while Vin Lors, a former construction worker, now earns about US$20 daily after returning to Siem Reap.
- Authorities have closed more than 600 scam locations and suspended 29 casino licenses, though Andrews noted the government has yet to act against senior officials allegedly implicated in operations while more than 100 people remain detained for exercising rights.
- Despite the challenges, Andrews expressed hope for the nation's future, praising its economic development; he met with Prime Minister Hun Manet and agreed to move forward on identified issues, asserting that those displaced by conflict have a right to return.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Associated Press News
UN expert flags human rights concerns over Cambodia after talks with PM in Phnom Penh
A U.N. official said Friday that Cambodia faces serious human rights issues, including people being displaced by armed conflict, human trafficking by cyberscam operators and the jailing of those exercising their freedom of expression.
20,000 Cambodians ‘still displaced’ along Thai border
PHNOM PENH - More than 20,000 Cambodian civilians remain displaced along the country’s border with Thailand following two rounds of fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours last year, a UN expert said on Friday, following a visit to the disputed frontier.
Over 20,000 Cambodians remain displaced in border clash with Thailand: UN expert
No immediate reaction from Thailand to remarks by UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia Tom Andrews, but Bangkok has previously denied accusations of illegally occupying Cambodian territory
Over 20,000 Cambodians still displaced along Thai border, UN expert says
PHNOM PENH, July 31 (Reuters) - More than 20,000 Cambodian civilians remain displaced along the country's border with Thailand following two rounds of fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours last year, a UN expert said on Friday, following a ...
"It is essential that Thailand and Cambodia work together to accelerate the return of displaced civilians."
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