77th International Human Rights Day under the theme “Maintaining Peace and the Respect for Human Rights”

[Check Against Delivery]

Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,

It is an honour for the United Nations in Cambodia to join you today in marking the 77th International Human Rights Day. 

Allow me to begin by echoing the message already conveyed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: peace and human rights are inseparable. One cannot be sustained without the other.

Our experience globally, regionally and here in Cambodia reminds us that the collective response to today’s complex challenges must draw on all three pillars of the United Nations: human rights, peace and security, and sustainable development. The UN Charter makes clear that lasting peace requires simultaneous progress across all three.

Human rights provide the foundation ensuring dignity, fairness, and inclusion for all people. Sustainable development addresses the root causes of instability: poverty, inequality, and the lack of opportunity. And peace and security create the environment in which rights can be protected and development can flourish.

The United Nations strongly supports the peaceful, diplomatic resolution of disputes through dialogue and negotiation. The UN Secretary-General welcomed the Joint Declaration on Peace, and ASEAN’s role in facilitating dialogue. This has been consistently underscored by the Secretary General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights during moments of heightened tension. Their message have been clear: dialogue, restraint, and respect for international law are essential to maintaining peace and protecting human rights.

As the High Commissioner for Human Rights reminded us: “In a tense situation of this kind, it is important that both authorities take steps to rebuild confidence, counter harmful rhetoric, and tackle misinformation.”

Sustaining peace requires constructive relations with neighbours, strengthened regional cooperation, and a commitment to dialogue. The UN remains neutral and impartial, supporting peaceful solutions and confidence building measures whenever requested.

But above all, sustaining peace is not a one-time achievement. It is an ongoing process one that requires continuous investment in human rights, in development, and in inclusive, accountable institutions.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,

Human rights are universal. Yet, recent UN analysis shows that rural communities, women, children, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, informal workers, stateless persons, and LGBTI+ individuals remain at risk of exclusion.

Moreover, peace is not possible without the participation of women - lasting peace around the world has only been achieved through women's participation in peace processes from negotiation to community peace building.

LNOB is the core promise of the 2030 Agenda. It means eradicating poverty, ending discrimination, and empowering people as rights-holders. We call for inclusive data systems and meaningful participation to ensure no one is invisible.

Allow me to highlight how the United Nations in Cambodia, through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, contributes to sustaining peace. 

Across our work whether promoting inclusive growth, advancing access to justice, strengthening social protection, or supporting climate resilience we aim to reduce vulnerabilities, expand opportunities, and reinforce the conditions for long term stability. 

These efforts complement the role of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee and other national institutions in promoting and protecting rights.

Cambodia’s acceptance of 232 UPR recommendations reflects its commitment to strengthening human rights. We call for their timely implementation, and for continued dialogue on areas where views may diverge. As these recommendations come from fellow Member States, progress on the UPR is a shared responsibility, requiring the engagement of government, civil society, communities, and development partners alike. The UN remains a committed partner in supporting this work.

In advancing human rights, legislative reforms play a crucial role.

We commend the Government for advancing the Child Protection Law and urge its swift adoption. The Domestic Violence Law also requires amendments to fully align with international commitments, and we encourage progress on marriage equality as accepted in Cambodia’s UPR recommendations. These reforms are vital steps toward a more inclusive society, and the UN stands ready to support their implementation.

We also applaud Cambodia’s advances in civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS). A strong CRVS system is fundamental to ensuring that no one is left stateless and that all people can access essential services. The new law offers a critical opportunity to address remaining gaps in birth and death registration and to strengthen data systems. By building interoperability across national databases, Cambodia can move toward a fully integrated CRVS system that generates real-time population data supporting better planning, better services, and stronger protections. We encourage continued momentum in implementing this important reform.

Strengthening Cambodia’s legal and institutional frameworks is essential not only for protecting rights today, but also for addressing the legacies of the past. The ECCC has played a pivotal role in Cambodia’s path to transitional justice. The establishment of a permanent legacy institution will preserve its invaluable archives, ensuring that the lessons of the past inform the future. The UN continues to fully supports this initiative as a crucial step toward justice and reconciliation in Cambodia.

Lastly, on this International Human Rights Day, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting the dignity of every person, promoting development that leaves no one behind, and maintaining peace through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect. 

In a year marked by regional tensions and domestic challenges, our resolve must be stronger than ever. By continuing our efforts through dialogue, partnership, and action, we can build a future where dignity, equality, and opportunity are a reality for all.

Thank you.