By Sen David | Khmer Times
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) held its 3rd Special Meeting of the year, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, from September 23–26. The meeting was chaired by Malaysian representative, Edmund Bon Tai Soon.
The Cambodian delegation was led by Pa Ponnarada, representing the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC). The meeting gathered ASEAN representatives along with Timor-Leste as an observer.
A statement from CHRC indicated that the discussions focused on the implementation of AICHR’s 2025 priority programmes and activities. Key topics included youth participation, the right to education, rights of persons with disabilities, women’s and children’s rights, business and human rights, police conduct and human rights, the right to development, and the rights to peace and sustainable development.
AICHR issued a media statement addressing human rights concerns related to online fraud and cybercrime, highlighting the growing threat of telecommunication scams. The Commission also announced that the Five-Year Work Plan (2026–2030) has been finalised and will be published soon.
Representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand exchanged views on recent human rights developments within their countries and across the region. Discussions covered new legislation, national action plans, policy frameworks, and ongoing initiatives on issues such as the Universal Periodic Review, gender equality, cyber fraud, human trafficking, the right to health, freedom of assembly and policing, the death penalty, and human rights concerns in conflict zones, including along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Ponnarada shared Cambodia’s recent achievements, notably hosting the 7th ASEAN Youth Debate on Human Rights in Phnom Penh on September 1–2. The event drew student participants from seven ASEAN member states, with Cambodian youth winning three awards, and participants from Indonesia and Singapore each securing one for their outstanding performances.
He also raised Cambodia’s concerns regarding Thailand’s recent military incursion into Cambodia. Ponnarada reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful resolution and called on Thailand to fully respect the ceasefire agreement, cease provocative actions that escalate tensions, withdraw all troops, equipment, and vehicles from areas long resided by Cambodian citizens, and complete border demarcation. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.
Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501765833/asean-human-rights-commission-meets-in-malaysia/. Archived at https://perma.cc/4D5Y-KHRZ
