Cambodia Raises Border Displacement Concerns at UN Human Rights Council, Says More Than 22,000 Remain Uprooted

GENEVA, June 26, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has told the UN Human Rights Council that more than 22,000 of its citizens remain displaced along the Thai border, urging Bangkok to meet its obligations under international law and allow families to return home safely.

Speaking during an interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons at the council’s 62nd session on June 25, Ambassador Ke Sovann, Cambodia’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, voiced support for calls to strengthen civilian protection and provide durable solutions.

He said that despite a ceasefire agreed in December 2025, thousands of Cambodians remained uprooted due to what Cambodia described as the continued occupation of its territory by Thai armed forces.

Cambodia’s statement accused Thai troops of planting national flags, blocking access, demolishing homes, building permanent structures and replacing cultural and religious symbols — actions it said had prolonged displacement and violated sovereignty, humanitarian law and human rights.

The ambassador stressed that women and children were particularly affected, and called for conditions enabling safe and dignified return.

He urged Thailand to uphold obligations under the UN Charter and international law, while reiterating Cambodia’s position that the border dispute must be resolved peacefully.

The prolonged displacement has become one of the most pressing humanitarian concerns facing Cambodia’s frontier communities.