Thailand protests to UN human rights commissioner about report on human rights in Cambodia

Thailand has submitted a strongly worded protest to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights against the end of mission statement by Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia, describing it as biased and departing from the principle of neutrality.

In a statement issued on Friday, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressed deep disappointment vis-à-vis the credibility and accountability of the report, which made many allegations against Thailand, even though it should have focused on the human rights situation in Cambodia.

“We consider that this goes beyond the mandate entrusted by the Human Rights Council. We also regret that the Special Rapporteur did not provide ample opportunity and time for Thailand to present the facts and provide perspectives prior to publishing the statement and organising the press conference, which contained much distorted information without thorough verification,” claimed Sihasak in the statement.

He also noted that the Special Rapporteur’s conduct fell outside the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council (HRC), which stipulates that the mandate-holders shall exercise their functions in accordance with their mandate through ethical behaviour, professional conduct, constructive dialogue and impartial assessment of the facts based on internationally recognised human rights standards.

Sihasak went on to note that Thailand has consistently made relevant facts available to the HRC through established channels, including correspondence with the office, statements before the Human Rights Council and its response to the joint communication in June.

“By failing to comprehensively take into account facts and perspectives from all relevant stakeholders, the report has departed from the principles of neutrality, impartiality and objectivity, as well as the mandate of the Special Procedures. It is even more concerning that this report has been sensationalised for political gains by the party involved,” according to the statement.

Sihasak reiterated that the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, and the consequences thereof, were not of Thailand’s making, but Cambodia’s, citing its unprovoked and indiscriminate attacks in July last year, resulting in loss of life, injuries to Thai civilians and the necessary evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people.

These issues were not reflected in the report, he noted.

“Regrettably, the working methods of this Special Procedure leave much to be desired in terms of professionalism and impartiality, failing to take due account of the relevant facts and perspectives of all concerned parties in a comprehensive and balanced manner prior to making public statements. Such actions do not accord due respect to Thailand as the country concerned and risk allowing the mandate to be exploited for political purposes,” said Sihasak.