Cambodia, Indonesia Pledge Stronger Human Rights Cooperation Amid Border Tensions

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 25, 2025) — Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) chairman Keo Remy met with Indonesia’s Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai on Monday to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional human rights issues.

The meeting at the CHRC Hearing Hall centered on sharing experiences, best practices and potential areas of collaboration.​ Remy welcomed the Indonesian delegation, praising what he called the long-standing friendship and strong cooperation between the two countries.

He said Cambodia’s human rights situation had continued to improve, noting the government’s emphasis on the right to life and maintaining peace in line with ASEAN’s vision.

During the talks, Remy raised concerns over tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He accused Thailand of rejecting maps recognized under the Franco-Siam Treaties of 1904 and 1907 in favor of Thai-produced maps.

He alleged that despite a ceasefire agreement reached in Malaysia on July 28, Thai soldiers arrested 20 Cambodian troops, with 18 still detained. Remy also claimed Thailand had used landmine incidents to heighten tensions, questioning whether recent explosions involving Thai soldiers occurred on Cambodian or Thai territory.

He further accused Thailand of undermining ASEAN unity. Thailand has not publicly responded to the allegations.

Pigai thanked Remy for the briefing and commended the CHRC’s efforts in promoting human rights. He noted Cambodia had become both a sending and receiving country for migrant workers, including Indonesians.

The Indonesian minister outlined three requests: continued protection for workers from both countries; Remy’s attendance at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Human Rights in Indonesia; and Cambodia’s support for Indonesia’s bid to chair the U.N. Human Rights Council.

Pigai said Indonesia was prepared to provide technical assistance, including training and capacity-building, for Cambodian officials.

Remy said Cambodia protects all workers through the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. He accepted the invitation to attend next year’s ministerial meeting and said Indonesia’s request for U.N. Human Rights Council support would be forwarded to the Cambodian prime minister.

He welcomed Indonesia’s offer of technical cooperation and proposed appointing focal points to coordinate future activities. Remy also asked Indonesia to help urge Thailand to honor a joint statement on peace and international law and resolve border issues through peaceful means.