AKP Phnom Penh, October 10, 2025 --  

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has emphasised the necessity of treating detained military personnel in accordance to international human rights law and international humanitarian law. 

“It is essential that all military personnel detained in the course of an armed conflict are treated fully in accordance with applicable international human rights law and international humanitarian law,” said H.E. Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a letter dated Oct. 10 in response to the petitions of H.E. Keo Remy, President of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), regarding the 18 Cambodian soldiers who remain under Thai custody.

“I have called accordingly upon the Government of Thailand with respect to the Cambodian personnel currently detained by its forces,” he underlined. 

H.E. Volker Türk UN High Commissioner added that the ceasefire agreement reached between Cambodia and Thailand on July 28, 2025, and the subsequent 13-point implementation agreement concluded on Aug. 7, 2025, provide an important framework towards a permanent de-escalation of tensions and the prevention of further harm to civilians and civilian objects.

The UN High Commissioner urged both Governments to fully respect the ceasefire arrangements, in good faith and in full, and to act to ensure the protection of civilians.
 
“I also urge that confidence building measures be undertaken, including through available bilateral and regional mechanisms. This is key to ensuring a peaceful de-escalation of the conflict, and to addressing long-standing issues to achieve lasting peace,” he said. 

Moreover, H.E. Volker Türk reaffirmed the OHCHR’s commitment to supporting the Governments of Cambodia and Thailand in upholding their human rights obligations.

By C. Nika