Cambodian Permanent Representative: Peace Is Not Abstract, but Daily Struggle to Shield Communities from Forced Displacement

Cambodian Permanent Representative: Peace Is Not Abstract, but Daily Struggle to Shield Communities from Forced Displacement

AKP Phnom Penh, October 05, 2025 – Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in Geneva H.E. Dara In delivered a statement in reply to the presentation of the Secretary-General/OHCHR country report on Technical Cooperation and Capacity-Building in Cambodia, during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Oct. 3, 2025.

In his reply intervention, the Ambassador underscored that Cambodia welcomed OHCHR’s call to uphold the ceasefire, noting that peace was not abstract but a daily struggle to shield communities from forced displacement, encirclement of villages, property seizure and threats of eviction. He stressed that peace remained the first condition of human dignity.

The Ambassador observed that the report recognised Cambodia’s transformation from fragility to resilience, reflected in sustained economic growth, reform and poverty reduction, while also acknowledging challenges relating to detention, trafficking and the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). He explained that Cambodia was addressing these through prison reforms, a national action plan against trafficking and cyber-scams, and consultations aimed at advancing an NHRI consistent with the Paris Principles.

He further emphasised that Cambodia’s commitments were not confined to words, reaffirming that the country is party to nearly all core human rights treaties and continues to align national legislation with international standards, with OHCHR’s technical assistance.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Cambodia’s open engagement with OHCHR and the Council, and its unwavering commitment to peace, development and the indivisible realisation of all human rights.

This session held significance comparable to the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia held earlier the same day.