Cambodia Tells UN Peace Depends on Dialogue, Rejects Border Changes by Force

GENEVA, June 18, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has told the United Nations Human Rights Council that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through militarisation, intimidation or the use of force, stressing that borders and sovereignty must never be altered by coercion.

Speaking during an interactive dialogue with the UN Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity at the Council’s 62nd session on June 17, Ambassador Ke Sovann welcomed the report’s emphasis on solidarity, peaceful dispute resolution and dialogue.

He said genuine dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the UN Charter and international law were essential to resolving disputes and maintaining peace and security.

“Peace remains essential for the promotion and protection of human rights,” Sovann told delegates.

The ambassador highlighted Cambodia’s recent decision to initiate compulsory conciliation proceedings under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to address overlapping maritime claims with Thailand, describing the process as a constructive mechanism for resolving differences.

He also pointed to Cambodia’s contribution to UN peacekeeping operations as evidence of its commitment to solidarity and cooperation. Since 2006, Cambodia has deployed more than 10,700 peacekeepers, with 471 personnel currently serving worldwide.

Sovann reaffirmed Cambodia’s support for renewed global solidarity in promoting peace and said the country remained ready to work with international partners to achieve that goal.