Following criticisms of his month-long silence, Vitit Muntarbhorn, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, on November 24, has spoken out. He reiterated his support for peace and confidence-building measures between Cambodia and Thailand.
“Any confidence-building measures that help build bridges between nations deserve our support,” Muntarbhorn said.
“Civilians affected by the situation at the border should be assisted according to human rights standards,” he added.
He had previously expressed his concerns about the displaced civilians who fled the conflict zones along the border and were staying at temporary sanctuaries.
The Thai national, who took his role as UN Special Rapporteur for Cambodia in March 2021, was under the spotlight recently for his silence on the human rights situation born from the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, especially the continued detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers by Thai army.
Senate president Hun Sen recently asked why Muntarbhorn had not spoken out about this detention, while the Cambodian ambassador to the UN in Geneva warned that Cambodia may consider an appropriate response on the inaction of the UN special rapporteur.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said Muntarbhorn welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached by the concerned parties in July 2025.
“The effective implementation of that agreement, anchored on shared wisdom, dialogue and humanitarian practices, is essential. This must be accompanied by the de-escalation of tensions and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law,” it said.
It noted that the human rights specialist called for measures to curb misinformation and disinformation to be maximised. He also noted the presence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other agencies that could provide assistance.
“Muntarbhorn expressed support for the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, affirming the earlier ceasefire and making commitments on a range of issues, including international humanitarian law protecting civilians and prisoners of war,” said the OHCHR.
It added that Muntarbhorn stressed the importance of promoting human rights, peace, democracy and sustainable development in Cambodia, and reiterated his readiness to offer support.
