Hun Sen Says Peace and Stability Are Foundation of Human Rights
Hun Sen Says Peace and Stability Are Foundation of Human Rights
PHNOM PENH, 22 July 2026 — Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen met with the United Nations’ newly appointed Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Thomas Andrews, on Wednesday, with the two sides discussing human rights, democracy and the humanitarian impact of the Cambodia-Thailand border situation.
The meeting took place at the Senate’s Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei Hall in Phnom Penh.
According to Hun Sen’s spokesman, Chea Thyrith, the Senate president congratulated Andrews on his appointment as the new UN Special Rapporteur, succeeding Vitit Muntarbhorn, and expressed hope that his mission would contribute to a better understanding of Cambodia’s human rights progress and democratic development through first-hand observation.
Andrews thanked Hun Sen for receiving him and described the meeting as a positive sign of Cambodia’s openness and willingness to engage in dialogue on human rights issues.
He said that, unlike during his previous mandate as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, he had not been afforded opportunities to meet senior national leaders, adding that Cambodia’s willingness to engage represented a constructive approach.
The UN envoy also commended Cambodia for ratifying numerous international human rights treaties and said he had been closely following developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
He said he plans to visit the border area to meet civilians affected by the conflict and assess the humanitarian situation on the ground.
During the discussion, Andrews also raised a number of human rights issues, including freedom of expression.
Hun Sen welcomed the rapporteur’s recognition of Cambodia’s ratification of international human rights conventions and its acceptance of recommendations made through UN human rights mechanisms.
He also welcomed Andrews’ planned visit to the border region and outlined Cambodia’s account of the history of the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute and its impact on Cambodian civilians.
On human rights, Hun Sen said the rights to life, peace and stability form the foundation for the enjoyment of other rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression.
He said Cambodia allows freedom of expression and constructive criticism but stressed that the exercise of all rights must remain within the framework of the Constitution and existing laws.
Hun Sen added that no country has achieved perfection in the fields of human rights and democracy, saying all nations continue to face shortcomings and must pursue continuous improvement.
He expressed hope that Andrews would maintain close cooperation with the Cambodian government to help advance human rights and democratic development in the country.
The Senate president concluded by wishing the UN Special Rapporteur success in carrying out his mandate in Cambodia.
