On 3 October 2025, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) delivered a statement at the 60th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia. The statement expressed concern over the Cambodian government’s use of the the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border crisis to further limit dissent and civic space and called for the release of all individuals detained or imprisoned on politically motivated charges. Read the statement below.
UN Human Rights Council – 60th Session
Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia
Mister Vice-President,
FIDH regrets that the Special Rapporteur was unable to conduct an official visit to Cambodia amid heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.
The Cambodian government has used the ongoing border crisis to further limit dissent and civic space.
Since late August, at least four members of the political opposition and three journalists have been arrested for the exercise of the right to freedom of expression in connection with the Thai-Cambodian situation.
In addition, the government hurried amendments to the Nationality Law, giving it sweeping powers to strip Cambodians of their nationality under vague and overly broad provisions that are not in accordance with international law. This law risks becoming another tool for the government to silence peaceful and legitimate dissent.
Socio-economic consequences also loom. The government’s plan to enforce military conscription in 2026 could lead to negative impacts on young people by disrupting their education and employment opportunities.
The return of nearly a million migrant workers threatens Cambodia’s economic stability and will worsen an ongoing over-indebtedness crisis in the microfinance sector.
Mister Vice-President,
At least 79 individuals remain detained or imprisoned on politically motivated charges. They include members of opposition parties, trade unionists, journalists, social media users, and land and environmental right defenders, such as the five activists from the award-winning grassroots organization Mother Nature.
We urge the Cambodian government to release all these individuals, drop all charges against them, and stop all acts of harassment against civil society.
Thank you.
