Ambassador Dara In, permanent representative of Cambodia to the UN in Geneva, has drawn attention to the reported rise of xenophobia and racist violence against Cambodian nationals in Thailand, particularly migrant workers and students.
He delivered Cambodia’s statement during an October 2 general debate on racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
In warned that Cambodian migrant workers and students, who are already vulnerable because of their status, have become targets of hate attacks, harassment and discriminatory rhetoric.
“Such acts, he noted, poison relations between peoples and erode the spirit of solidarity that sustains multilateralism,” said a press release by the Permanent Representative of Cambodia.
He also warned against the proliferation of disinformation campaigns, which distort facts, fuel prejudice and expose innocent communities to unjustified risks.
“Such practices are incompatible with states’ international obligations to ensure non-discrimination, equality before the law, and the security and dignity of all persons under their jurisdiction,” he was quoted as saying.
He stressed that combating racism, xenophobia and intolerance is not a political option but a legal and moral imperative, and urged the Council to redouble its vigilance.
He also reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights, grounded in the universal principles of equality, dignity and universality.
In the lead up to the July 24-28 armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour reported increased discrimination against Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand. As the situation remains tense, almost a million migrant workers have returned home, according to the labour ministry.
