Geneva: The Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in Geneva, H.E. Dara In, delivered a significant statement in response to the Secretary-General/OHCHR country report on Technical Cooperation and Capacity-Building in Cambodia during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Ambassador emphasized that Cambodia welcomes the OHCHR’s call to uphold the ceasefire, highlighting that peace is not an abstract concept but a continuous effort to protect communities from forced displacement, village encirclement, property seizure, and eviction threats. He stressed that peace is fundamental to human dignity.

The Ambassador noted that the report acknowledged Cambodia’s transition from fragility to resilience, demonstrated by sustained economic growth, reform, and poverty reduction. The report also recognized challenges related to detention, trafficking, and the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). He explained that Cambodia is tackling these issues through prison reforms, a national action plan against trafficking and cyber-scams, and consultations to advance an NHRI in line with the Paris Principles.

He further highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to aligning national legislation with international standards, supported by OHCHR’s technical assistance. He reaffirmed that Cambodia is a party to nearly all core human rights treaties, showing its dedication to human rights.

The Ambassador reiterated Cambodia’s open engagement with OHCHR and the Council, reaffirming its commitment to peace, development, and the realization of human rights. This session was notably significant, akin to the earlier Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia.