European External Action Service

10/03/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2025 04:15

EU Statement - HRC60 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia

PRINT

EU Statement - HRC60 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia

03.10.2025
Geneva
Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

60th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia

3 October 2025

EU statement

Mr. President,

The European Union thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report. His role remains vital in monitoring the human rights situation on the ground.

We remain deeply concerned by the severe restriction of civic and political space in Cambodia including the continued harassment, judicial persecution, and arbitrary detention of opposition figures, human rights defenders, journalists, media workers, and trade unionists. This climate of repression has a chilling effect on public participation, especially among youth. The erosion of multiparty democracy and the lack of truly competitive elections are alarming. Forced evictions and unresolved land disputes continue. Administrative and legal barriers undermine civil society's operations and independence.

We call for the immediate release of all individuals detained for exercising their rights to freedoms of expression, assembly and association, the lifting of restrictions on independent media, and a transparent environment for NGOs. We underline the importance of fair trial guarantees and accountability for perpetrators. The recent adoption of the Amendment to the Law on Nationality raises our concern. These provisions must be brought fully in line with Cambodia's international human rights obligations.

The EU stands ready to support Cambodia in advancing human rights, welcoming its cooperation with the United Nations human rights system. We recognize Cambodia's commitment towards multilateralism and international cooperation as well as its dedication to social protection for persons in vulnerable situations.

Mr. Special Rapporteur, how could we encourage Cambodia to effectively implement the human rights action agenda as proposed by you?

Thank you.

European External Action Service published this content on October 03, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 03, 2025 at 10:15 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]