Phil Robertson Meets Cambodian Representative as Calls for Justice Over Thai Border Conflict Continue

Terry Felix On October 23, 2026 - 2:22 pm In Asia Pacific 2mn Read

PHNOM PENH, October 23, 2026 — A Cambodian human rights group has pledged to continue seeking justice for Cambodian victims affected by the conflict with Thailand following a meeting with Phil Robertson, a prominent human rights advocate and former Human Rights Watch deputy director for Asia.

The meeting took place on October 22, 2026, according to a statement shared by a Cambodian representative the following day.

Robertson, who now leads the Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates (AHRLA), has also advocated for Thailand to release the 18 Cambodian soldiers detained during the conflict, according to the statement.

Calls for Justice for Cambodian Victims

Following the meeting, the Cambodian representative said the group would continue its efforts to seek justice for Cambodian women allegedly sexually assaulted by seven Thai soldiers, as well as for more than 20,000 displaced people who have been unable to return to their homes.

The statement also highlighted concerns over the alleged destruction of Cambodian national and world heritage sites during the conflict.

The representative said these issues would remain central to the group’s efforts to pursue accountability and draw international attention to the consequences of the border conflict.

Human Rights Advocacy Amid Border Tensions

Robertson is known for his work on human rights issues in Asia, including labour rights and civil liberties. His current organisation, AHRLA, focuses on human rights and labour advocacy in the region.

The meeting comes amid continuing tensions surrounding the Cambodia–Thailand conflict, with calls for accountability, the release of detained soldiers and the safe return of displaced civilians remaining key concerns raised by Cambodian advocates.

The allegations cited in the statement have not been independently verified in the material provided.