AKP Phnom Penh, October 3, 2026 --

Cambodia has called for greater practical support under Agenda Item 10 of the Human Rights Council to help more than 20,000 displaced Cambodians return to their homes safely and with dignity.

The call was made by H.E. Ambassador Ke Sovann, Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Oct. 2, while delivering Cambodia’s statement under Agenda Item 10 on the presentation of the Secretary-General’s report on the role and achievements of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in assisting the Government and people of Cambodia in promoting and protecting human rights.

In his statement, H.E. Ke Sovann thanked the Secretary-General for the report and said Cambodia’s human rights priorities have been shaped by the country’s experience of war and division, with peace, development, the rule of law and the well-being of the people remaining central to its efforts.

The Cambodian Ambassador called for a fair, balanced and objective assessment of the country’s human rights situation based on verified information and Cambodia’s national circumstances.

He expressed regret that some recommendations appeared to place responsibility on Cambodia for outcomes requiring cooperation from other parties and international cooperation, including the return of persons displaced by the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict and efforts to address transnational crimes.

H.E. Ke Sovann reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to continued cooperation with OHCHR and stressed the importance of practical support under Agenda Item 10, particularly in facilitating the safe and dignified return of more than 20,000 displaced Cambodians to their homes.

The entire statement of Ambassador Ke Sovann reads as follows: