Notification of the Resignation of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Cambodia
Notification of the Resignation of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Cambodia
Mr Vitit Muntarbhorn, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia, has resigned from his position. On 10 November, HE Keo Remy, Senior Minister, met with Mr Rory Mungoven, Chief of the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Region and informed him that during the time of harassment and serious human rights and international law violations committed by the Thai army, all complaint letters were sent to all relevant human rights institutions, except for Mr Vitit to whom he did not send. He emphasised that he did not want Mr Vitit to face difficulties in his work. Even though his work is independent and appointed by the UN, he is still a Thai national. If he dared to condemn the Thai army for violating human rights, he would not be able to enter his country, and Thai extremists or soldiers would accuse him of treason. He has a request that when his term ends, he asks the UN not to appoint any neighbouring national as a human rights rapporteur in Cambodia, because one day there might be another conflict which could put him/her in a difficult position.
HE [Keo Remy,] Senior Minister, also presented his work without any discrimination towards Mr Vitit, and in addition, he praised him for his knowledge and work we have carried out in the past. We hope that Mr Vitit Muntarbhorn will receive better opportunities to promote, protect, and advance human rights. It is regrettable that many talented human resources in Thailand are hindered from serving the nation due to violent extremism.
