PHNOM PENH, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia Tom Andrews has called for Cambodian civilians displaced by recent armed conflict along the Cambodia–Thailand border to be allowed to return to their homes voluntarily, safely, and with dignity, while urging continued humanitarian assistance and stronger protection for civilians.

The appeal was made in his Closing Statement issued on 31 July 2026, marking the conclusion of his official mission to Cambodia, which took place from 20 to 31 July 2026.

In the statement, Andrews expressed deep concern over the humanitarian consequences of the recent border conflict, which forced many Cambodian families to flee their homes and seek shelter in evacuation centers and temporary accommodation.

According to the Closing Statement, the protection of civilians must remain the highest priority, as many displaced families continue to face uncertainty over their security, livelihoods, housing, and access to essential public services.

The UN rights expert stressed that every effort should be made to ensure displaced people are able to return to their communities voluntarily, safely, and with dignity once security conditions permit. He also called for humanitarian assistance to continue until affected communities are able to rebuild their lives and recover from the conflict.

Andrews further emphasized the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and international human rights law, urging all parties to take effective measures to protect civilians, prevent further displacement, and ensure that any alleged violations committed during the conflict are investigated transparently and in accordance with international standards.

During his mission, Andrews visited evacuation centers and met with displaced civilians, local authorities, civil society organizations, and humanitarian agencies to assess the impact of the fighting on affected communities. He noted that women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities remain among the groups most vulnerable to the long-term consequences of displacement.

The Closing Statement noted that recovery efforts should extend beyond emergency relief and include restoring homes, public infrastructure, schools, healthcare facilities, and the livelihoods of farming families whose incomes have been disrupted by the conflict.

Andrews also called for humanitarian assistance to be delivered to all affected communities without discrimination and emphasized that displaced people should be able to participate in decisions concerning their future.

Referring to the recent ceasefire, the Special Rapporteur said it presents an important opportunity for Cambodia and Thailand to move away from armed confrontation and continue resolving their differences through dialogue, diplomacy, and in accordance with international law.

In his Closing Statement issued on 31 July 2026, Andrews underscored that lasting peace cannot be achieved simply by ending hostilities. It also requires the protection of human rights, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring accountability and justice for victims affected by the conflict.