Türk Welcomes Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire, Calls For Full Respect And Confidence-Building Measures
GENEVA – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Wednesday called on Thailand and Cambodia to protect civilians from further harm by fully respecting and implementing the ceasefire agreed on Monday, stressing the need to take quick measures to build confidence and peace.
“Particularly at this time of increasing conflicts and crises around the world, I wholeheartedly welcome the ceasefire agreed between Thailand and Cambodia, with the important involvement of Malaysia as ASEAN chair,” Türk said.“This crucial agreement must be fully respected, in good faith, by both sides, as diplomatic efforts continue, in a bid to resolve the root causes of the conflict.”
The High Commissioner added that it was important that both sides continue efforts to restore security at the border and ensure that victims of violence and displacement receive redress in line with international human rights and humanitarian laws and standards. More than 180,000 people are reported to have been displaced on the Thai side of the border, while another 168,946 were reported displaced on the Cambodian side.
“In a tense situation of this kind, it is important that both Thai and Cambodian authorities take steps to rebuild confidence, to counter harmful and inciteful rhetoric, and tackle misinformation in accordance with international human rights law,” Türk said.
“It is the responsibility of both governments to ensure the safety and protection of each other’s nationals on their territory.”
UNITED NATIONS
Commentary and Legal insights
Analysis:
Secretary‑General Türk welcomed the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, emphasizing the urgent need for full compliance to protect displaced civilians and uphold human rights commitments during this unstable ceasefire period.
Volker Türk’s statement underscores two key pillars:
(1) Protection of civilians under international human rights and humanitarian law.
(2) The obligation for states to refrain from acts that compromise post-conflict recovery and the human rights of affected populations.
Legal Insight:
The ceasefire, brokered in Malaysia and effective midnight July 29, 2025, aimed to halt some of the worst fighting in over a decade with over 300,000 civilians displaced and dozens killed on both sides.
The ceasefire is a temporary political fix without a durable legal foundation. Unless the parties commit to legal processes, including ICJ adjudication, OPCW involvement (if applicable), or UN mechanisms, the dispute may cycle through future escalations—each posing risks to civilian protection, regional stability, and respect for international law.