ASEAN Foreign Ministers Address Human Rights, Nuclear Security And Cambodia Border Concerns

MANILA, July 21, 2026 (KPT) – ASEAN foreign ministers have discussed regional human rights, nuclear security cooperation and stability, with Cambodia raising concerns over the humanitarian impact of its border situation with Thailand, officials said Tuesday.

The meetings took place on July 20 during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the session of the Southeast Asia Nuclear‑Weapon‑Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission, hosted by the Philippines as ASEAN chair.

During talks with AICHR, ministers reviewed the commission’s 2026 annual report and welcomed progress in promoting and protecting human rights across the region. They encouraged AICHR to continue implementing its Five‑Year Work Plan for 2026‑2030 and to support ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn highlighted humanitarian challenges faced by civilians affected by the Cambodia‑Thailand border conflict.

He said more than 20,000 civilians remain in temporary shelters, with children unable to attend school and vulnerable groups struggling to access essential services despite government assistance. He urged ASEAN partners to support efforts allowing displaced civilians to return home safely and resume normal livelihoods.

The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to keeping Southeast Asia free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. The SEANWFZ Commission reviewed treaty implementation, future steps regarding its protocol, and cooperation with other nuclear‑weapon‑free zones, including Latin America’s OPANAL and Central Asia’s CANWFZ.

Prak Sokhonn said the SEANWFZ Treaty remains a vital foundation for peace and stability amid growing geopolitical challenges.

Cambodia welcomed progress under the SEANWFZ Plan of Action 2023‑2027, particularly in nuclear safety, security, safeguards, peaceful use of nuclear technology, capacity building and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

He also welcomed China’s readiness to sign and ratify the treaty protocol without reservations, and called for stronger cooperation between ASEAN and other nuclear‑weapon‑free zones through practical initiatives.