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

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Muntarbhorn emphasized the importance of confidence-building measures in fostering cooperation between nations. He stated that such measures deserve support and highlighted the necessity of assisting civilians affected by the border situation according to human rights standards.

The Special Rapporteur welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached by the concerned parties in July 2025. He stressed the significance of implementing the agreement through shared wisdom, dialogue, and humanitarian practices. He also called for de-escalation of tensions and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

Muntarbhorn urged for measures to curb misinformation and disinformation. He acknowledged the role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights a
nd other agencies that could offer assistance. Furthermore, he expressed support for the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand made in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, which reaffirms the ceasefire and includes commitments on issues such as international humanitarian law protecting civilians and prisoners of war.

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

It is noteworthy that Muntarbhorn had remained silent following the outbreak of the five-day war in July between Cambodia and Thailand. He had not commented on incidents that followed, including the arrest of Cambodian soldiers by Thai forces after the ceasefire, the use of disturbing sound devices, brutal attacks by the Thai military, and a recent case of sexual assault by Thai soldiers against a Cambodian worker returning from Thailand.