By Rin Ousa | Cambodianess
The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has urged the regional and international communities to jointly conduct an independent and fair investigation into the recent incident during which Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian civilians in a disputed border area.
The request was made by CHRC member Sreang Chenda during the 4th Special Meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), which was held in Malacca, Malaysia, on Nov. 10 to 14.
Chenda briefed the other delegates on the Nov. 12 incident, which resulted in one death and three people being seriously injured. The shooting occurred in Prey Chan village, O’Beichoan commune, Ou Chrov district in Banteay Meanchey province, according to a CHRC press release issued on Nov. 16. Following the shooting, nearly 300 families fled Prey Chan village at night.
As Chenda explained, an independent probe would contribute to achieving justice and compensation for the victims.
During the meeting, Chenda also called on the Thai side to unconditionally release the 18 Cambodian soldiers in accordance with human rights principles and international humanitarian law.
Moreover, he reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully based on international law, the Kuala Lumpur Joint Statement and other agreements.
Chenda added that Cambodia is a state party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Anti-Personnel Mines and has never — and will never — plant new landmines.
As of the meeting on Nov. 14, Thailand had unlawfully detained 18 Cambodian soldiers for 108 days and this, since July 29 when the ceasefire came into effect.
The five-day AICHR Special Meeting was chaired by Edmund Bon Tai Soon, Malaysia’s representative and the 2025 Chair of AICHR. It concluded with the transfer of the rotating chairmanship to the Philippines.
Representatives at the meeting explored the implementation of AICHR’s priority programs and activities, focusing on human rights; human rights and the environment; human rights and peace; freedom of thought and expression; health rights; and economic and cultural rights.
They also discussed and adopted several resolutions to enhance the commission’s work in line with ASEAN principles.
Moreover, AICHR held virtual meetings with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Asia Dialogue on Forced Migration to strengthen cooperation with other human rights institutions.
On Nov. 15, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior stated that local authorities have been conducting investigations and collecting evidence related to the Nov. 12 border incident with the participation of the ASEAN Observer Team and foreign experts.
According to the press release, after a thorough investigation, examination, and collection of information and evidence in accordance with international law, Cambodia will consider filing a complaint with the relevant international bodies to demand accountability and justice for the innocent Cambodian civilians affected by the shooting.
Source: https://cambodianess.com/article/cambodia-seeks-independent-probe-into-border-shooting-at-asean-human-rights-commission-meeting. Archived at https://perma.cc/75H5-JZZ8
