UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on the Government of Thailand to ensure that each of the Cambodian military personnel detained following the recent armed clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border are treated in full compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law.
In a formal letter addressed to Keo Remy, president of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), Türk expressed his condolences for those affected by the border conflict and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to protecting the rights of detainees and civilians caught in the crossfire.
“It is essential that all military personnel detained in the course of armed conflict are treated in accordance with applicable international human rights law and international humanitarian law,” Türk wrote, on October 10.
“Accordingly, I have called upon the Government of Thailand with respect to the Cambodian personnel currently detained by its forces,” he added.
He noted that his office has already raised the issue with the Thai government concerning the Cambodian soldiers who are currently being held.
The high commissioner’s statement comes amid ongoing efforts to sustain peace following the July 28 ceasefire agreement reached between Cambodia and Thailand, and the subsequent 13-point implementation agreement, signed on August 7.
These agreements, he said, provide an “important framework towards a permanent de-escalation of tensions and the prevention of further harm to civilians”.
Türk further urged both governments to respect the ceasefire “in good faith and in full”, and to take active measures to protect civilians.
He also encouraged confidence-building steps through bilateral and regional mechanisms to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
“As part of the continuing engagement with both countries, my office remains committed to supporting the governments of Cambodia and Thailand in upholding their human rights obligations,” Türk affirmed.
The letter reflects the UN’s ongoing diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation and ensure that humanitarian principles are observed on both sides of the border.
