Cambodian Ambassador Reaffirms Human Rights Commitments at UN Council

GENEVA (Oct.06.2025) — Cambodia’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Dara In, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace, human rights and development during remarks at the 60th session of the U.N. Human Rights Council on Oct. 3.

Responding to a report from the U.N. secretary-general and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on technical cooperation and capacity-building in Cambodia, Dara welcomed the call to uphold ceasefire principles.

He said peace is not just theoretical but essential to protect communities from forced displacement, land seizures and eviction threats.

“Peace is the first condition of human dignity,” Dara said.

He noted the report acknowledged Cambodia’s progress from post-conflict fragility to greater resilience, citing sustained economic growth, reform efforts and poverty reduction.

He also said the government is working to address challenges related to detention conditions, human trafficking and the establishment of a national human rights institution.

Dara highlighted ongoing government efforts, including prison reform, a national action plan to combat trafficking and cyber scams, and consultations aimed at creating a rights institution in line with the Paris Principles.

“Cambodia’s commitments are not confined to words,” he said, adding that the country is party to nearly all core international human rights treaties and continues to align its laws with global standards, with technical support from the U.N. rights office.

He reiterated Cambodia’s openness to constructive engagement with the Human Rights Council and the rights office, calling the relationship a key part of the country’s strategy for sustainable peace and human rights protection.

The session also included an interactive dialogue with the U.N. special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Cambodia, underscoring the role of international scrutiny and cooperation in the country’s rights development.