Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews on Cambodia's Border Crisis and Rights Record | CamboJA News

UN human rights Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews has completed a 12-day mission to Cambodia, focusing on the border conflict with Thailand and the rights of people affected. Andrews met displaced communities, officials, and imprisoned activists and journalists. He will present full findings to the UN Human Rights Council in October. The former U.S. congressman began the Cambodia mandate in March 2026 after serving six years in the equivalent role for Myanmar. More than 20,000 Cambodians remain displaced six months after a ceasefire, mostly in temporary shelter, with Cambodia blaming a continued Thai military presence on previously undisturbed land. Andrews says there are legal obligations for people to have the right to return, citing international law and an agreement signed on December 27. He also links return and basic rights—livelihood, education, and healthcare—to stability for border-area trade.