Cambodia appeals to UN over Thailand’s continued detention of soldiers

PHNOM PENH – Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) president Keo Remy has issued an urgent appeal to Ganna Yudkivska, chair-rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, concerning the detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers by Thai Armed Forces. The soldiers have been held since July 29, despite a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.

In a letter addressed to Yudkivska, Remy highlighted how the soldiers, detained after the ceasefire took effect, are being held without legal basis, constituting arbitrary detention. The CHRC reports that the detainees have been denied access to legal representation, their families and Cambodian officials. Despite repeated requests for their release and repatriation, Thai authorities have provided no response, raising concerns about violations of international law.

The CHRC’s appeal cites Thailand’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), specifically Article 9, which prohibits arbitrary detention, and Article 118 of the Third Geneva Convention (1949), mandating the prompt release of military personnel after hostilities cease. The letter warns that the soldiers’ incommunicado detention risks torture or cruel treatment, violating Article 7 of the ICCPR and the Convention against Torture (CAT).

It also suggests that the lack of information on the detainees’ status may constitute enforced disappearance under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED).

Remy urged the UN Working Group to act swiftly, requesting an urgent review to declare the detention arbitrary, demand the soldiers’ immediate release and ensure Thailand’s compliance with international law. The CHRC also called for the case to be included in the Working Group’s annual report to the UN Human Rights Council for global oversight.

The CHRC emphasised the need to uphold the ceasefire agreement and protect the soldiers’ rights. The international community awaits Thailand’s response as the situation risks further straining bilateral relations.