CHRC asks UN to scrutinise Thai military actions

Photo: Fresh news

PHNOM PENH, Jan 21 — Cambodia Human Rights Committee (CHRC) on Wednesday raised concerns with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) over alleged actions by Thai military forces that it said prevented Cambodian civilians from returning to their homes in contested border areas.

Senior Minister Keo Remy, president of the CHRC, told OHCHR officials that Cambodian homes had been demolished and access blocked with containers and barbed wire in areas he said were illegally occupied, describing the situation as a violation of basic human rights, including freedom of movement, the right to adequate housing and property ownership. He urged the UN human rights office to monitor the situation using international mechanisms and to engage relevant parties to ensure civilians can return safely and with dignity.

The remarks were made during a meeting with Benjamin Moreau, officer-in-charge of OHCHR in Cambodia, which also reviewed human rights cooperation achievements in 2025 and agreed to expand collaboration in 2026, including work on UN Universal Periodic Review recommendations, capacity-building for officials and continued dialogue on human rights issues.