The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has reiterated its appeal to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing Office concerning the actions of the Thai military, who have forced Cambodians from their homes in Banteay Meanchey province.
In an October 9 letter to Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the housing special rapporteur at the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Special Rapporteur Branch, CHRC president Keo Remy once again outlined how Thai soldiers have laid razor wire barricades, blocked access to homes and farmland, and threatened the rights and safety of many Cambodian civilians living along the border. The letter followed up on a previous formal complaint, sent on August 15.
“The CHRC is gravely concerned that, despite the July 28 Ceasefire Agreement and the 13-point Agreed Minutes of the Extraordinary GBC Meeting of August 7, Cambodia has received credible reports that Thai military authorities intend to invoke Thai civil law to forcibly and unlawfully evict Cambodian citizens from their homes and land located within Cambodian territory,” said the letter.
Since August, more than a dozen families in Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages in Banteay Meanchey’s O Beichoan commune have been forced out of their homes. Thai officials and the military have announced that they will use Thai domestic law to force almost 200 Cambodian households from the area.
“Many families have lived on their land for generations, building not only homes but also communities, livelihoods and cultural identities, which are deeply rooted in those places. The loss of their homes entails the loss of shelter, safety, security and access to basic services, leading to homelessness, poverty and social instability.
“Children are being forced to abandon their education, the elderly face deteriorating health, and women and other vulnerable groups are placed at heightened risk. The psychological trauma of living under constant uncertainty, intimidation and the fear of losing one’s home further compounds their suffering,” added the letter.
The CHRC appealed to Rajagopal, whose mandate is to promote and monitor human rights on adequate housing, to urgently engage with the Thai government to ensure respect for the right to adequate housing of the affected Cambodian people, prevent further violations and facilitate appropriate remedial measures, in accordance with international human rights standards.
“The CHRC expresses its deep disappointment that the special rapporteur has not yet responded to its urgent appeal, as this continued silence could risk undermining confidence in the UN human rights mechanisms and the effectiveness of its special procedures. When communities face imminent displacement, timely engagement and public advocacy from the mandate holder are essential to prevent irreparable harm,” said the letter.
The CHRC reminded the independent UN agency that the integrity of the human rights system is contingent upon prompt, unbiased and effective intervention.
“The CHRC therefore urges the special rapporteur to treat this matter with the utmost urgency and to support Cambodia’s call for accountability. We look to the solidarity of the special rapporteur in upholding the principles of human rights, international humanitarian law and justice for the victims of unlawful actions,” said the letter.
