AKP Phnom Penh, November 25, 2025 --

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Vitit Muntarbhorn, on Nov. 24 expressed his continued support for peace and confidence-building measures between Cambodia and Thailand.

“Any confidence-building measures that help build bridges between nations deserve our support,” Muntarbhorn said in a statement from Geneva. “Civilians affected by the situation at the border should be assisted according to human rights standards.”

The Special Rapporteur welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached by the concerned parties in July 2025. “The effective implementation of that agreement, anchored on shared wisdom, dialogue and humanitarian practices, is essential. This must be accompanied by the de-escalation of tensions and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law,” he said.

The expert called for measures to curb misinformation and disinformation to be maximised. He also noted the presence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other agencies that could provide assistance.

Muntarbhorn expressed support for the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, affirming the earlier ceasefire and making commitments on a range of issues, including international humanitarian law protecting civilians and prisoners of war.

The Special Rapporteur stressed the importance of promoting human rights, peace, democracy and sustainable development in Cambodia, and reiterated his readiness to provide assistance.

It should be recalled that Muntarbhorn has remained silent since the outbreak of the five-day war in July between Cambodia and Thailand. He has not issued any statements on any of the incidents that followed — including the arrest of Cambodian soldiers by Thai forces after the ceasefire took effect, who have still not been returned after 119 days; the use of disturbing sound devices; the brutal Thai military attacks on Nov. 12 that killed one innocent Cambodian civilian and seriously injured three others; and the recent sexual assault committed by Thai soldiers against a Cambodian worker returning from Thailand to Cambodia.

AKP