Geneva, 18 April 2025—The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) has concluded its fifty-eighth session (24 February - 4 April), after hosting 58 meetings and adopting 32 texts addressing thematic and country-specific issues. The session was marked by high-level participation from 74 dignitaries and officials, notably His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who delivered a video statement to the Council on 24 February 2025.
In his statement, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister underscored Cambodia’s transformation from conflict to peace, economic growth, and its contributions to UN peacekeeping and human rights mechanisms as follows:
- Cambodia’s transformation from conflict to peace: Cambodia’s experience stands as a powerful testament that conflict can be resolved, transitional justice can be realised, and former war zones can be transformed into areas of peace, cooperation and development. This transformation did not happen by chance, but was the result of the visionary leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia. His “win-win” policy not only brought an end to decades of internal conflict but also laid the foundation for national reconciliation, long-term stability and sustained socioeconomic development.
- Impressive socioeconomic development: Cambodia’s progress speaks for itself. Life expectancy rose from 59 years in 2000 to 76 years in 2021. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia’s economy experienced consistent growth of over 7% annually for more than two decades, with a growth rate of 6% recorded in 2024. Notably, Cambodia, together with Senegal, has been approved for graduation from the Least Developed Countries category in 2029.
- Commitment to global peace and security: Cambodia’s success extends beyond its national borders. Since 2006, the country has deployed nearly 10,000 peacekeepers—including more than 800 women—to 11 United Nations peacekeeping missions. Cambodia’s internationally recognized expertise in mine clearance has contributed significantly to global humanitarian efforts. The successful hosting of the 5th Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention in November 2024, as along with Cambodia’s recent election to the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission (OCPBC), further underscores its strong commitment to promoting international peace and security.
- Cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms: Cambodia remains actively engaged with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. During the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of human rights by accepting 85% of the recommendations it received. Additionally, the recent renewal of the Memorandum with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reflects its dedication to advancing human rights and its openness to continued constructive dialogue with the international community.
During the six-week period of the 58th session, Cambodia’s Permanent Mission in Geneva delivered 22 statements outlining the normative and practical achievements and progress of Cambodia in all categories of human rights—civil, political, social, economic and cultural, including the right to development. The Cambodian delegation also contributed to the general debates on the improvement of the working methods of the OHCHR and the Council, as well as the consideration of human rights situations in other countries. The following are some key highlights from Cambodia’s statements during the session:
- Peace, stability and development: For over 25 years, Cambodia has enjoyed peace, stability and economic growth, largely due to the Government’s win-win policies. In line with its commitment to the “leave no one behind,” Cambodia has introduced key policy frameworks—such as the Social Protection Policy Framework for 2016–2025, the Health Equity Funds and the National Policy on Ageing for 2017–2030, to support vulnerable population and promote inclusive development.
- Legal and institutional strengthening: Cambodia has made steady efforts to strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks to ensure that all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable, fully enjoy their rights and freedoms. Measures have been taken to promote the rule of law, enhance access to justice and integrate human rights into national policies and development strategies. Equal importance is placed on promoting economic, social and cultural rights, recognizing their vital role in contributing to inclusive development that ensures no one is left behind.
- Social justice and good governance: Cambodia has made substantial progress in advancing social justice, promoting gender equality and protecting vulnerable groups. Continuous efforts are being made to improve governance, reduce corruption and foster transparency. The Government has focused on improving education, healthcare and access to essential public services, ensuring that these benefits are shared equitably among all citizens.
- Protection of child rights: Cambodia has launched several initiatives to protect children, including the “Strong Family Communication” campaign and the “Ending Violence Against Children in and around Schools in Cambodia” project. These efforts align with Cambodia’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of eliminating violence against children by 2030.
- Promotion of gender equality: The Government has made significant strides in promoting gender equality, protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring that all persons enjoy their rights without discrimination. Cambodia’s commitment to gender equality is reflected in its policies relating to gender equality and prevention of gender-based violence, which contribute to building a more just and equitable society where the rights of women and girls are respected and protected.
- Tackling climate change: Climate change remains a critical challenge for Cambodia and the global community. Cambodia’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change are guided by the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities. Cambodia actively supports global and regional initiatives on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- Engagement with civil society: Cambodia is home to over 6,000 local associations and NGOs, which play a critical role in promoting good governance, protecting human rights and fostering rural development. The Government has facilitated a conducive environment for civil society, ensuring the freedom of association and participation in decision-making processes.
- Minority rights and inclusion: Cambodia values unity in diversity, fostering a shared national identity rooted in Khmer culture, history and language while recognizing the important contributions of minority groups to the nation’s social fabric. The country has implemented a range of policies to ensure the full inclusion of ethnic minorities. However, integrating minority identities requires a concerted effort to promote inclusivity, respect and recognition of their role in the country’s social, economic and cultural development.
- Promotion of social harmony: Racism and related forms of intolerance continue to pose serious and persistent challenges that warrant sustained global attention and collective efforts. Cambodia reaffirms the importance of promoting social harmony and safeguarding the principle of nondiscrimination as an integral part of national development. Guided by the values of equality, dignity and mutual respect, Cambodia strives to promote national unity within its multi-ethnic and culturally diverse society. Cambodia remains committed to promoting unity in diversity, guaranteeing equal opportunities for all, and fostering a society based on tolerance, respect and inclusion.
- Technical cooperation and capacity-building: Cambodia recognizes the importance of technical cooperation and capacity-building in strengthening national institutions and fulfilling human rights obligations. For technical assistance to be effective, it must be demand-driven, with the full consent of the States and based on genuine dialogue. It should be in line with national priorities and support the implementation of UPR recommendations while respecting the sovereign role of States as the primary duty bearers in human rights protection. Cambodia appreciates the role of the OHCHR in providing technical cooperation and capacity building to Cambodia and globally. To ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these efforts, adequate funding is essential. Cambodia encourages States to invest in the Voluntary Fund for Technical Assistance and prioritise sufficient funding to support need-based assistance for States in fulfilling their human rights obligations.
Cambodia’s participation in the fifty-eighth session of the HRC reflects the country’s unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, fostering peace and stability, and contributing to global efforts to address pressing human rights challenges.
Cambodia’s progress in various areas, including socioeconomic development, peacebuilding and human rights, serves as a model for other countries and demonstrates the importance of inclusive development and constructive engagement in international human rights frameworks. As Cambodia continues its journey towards becoming a more just, equitable and inclusive society, it reaffirms its dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of peace, sustainable development and human rights.
