HE Keo Remy, Senior Minister, Presided Over the 77th Anniversary of International Human Rights Day
HE Keo Remy, Senior Minister, Presided Over the 77th Anniversary of International Human Rights Day
Phnom Penh: On the morning of 10 December 2025, the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) organised the International Human Rights Day, 10 December, the 77th anniversary, under the theme “Maintaining Peace and Protecting Human Rights.” The event was held under the chairmanship of HE Keo Remy, Senior Minister, CHRC President, with the participation of approximately 700 representatives from the Senate and the National Assembly, ministries, institutions, embassies, United Nations, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Cambodia (OHCHR), civil society organisations, artists, and students at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall.
On this occasion, HE Keo Remy, Senior Minister, said that the aforesaid theme reflects the reality and situation of the entire world today, especially for Cambodia, where peace has been achieved with severe difficulty. Peace and human rights are interdependent and mutually supportive. That is, only through peace can everyone access the opportunity to enjoy their fundamental freedoms, and only by protecting human rights can we preserve lasting peace.
HE Keo Remy, Senior Minister, highlighted the value of peace, saying that the Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of Samdech Techo and subsequently Samdech Thipadei, has always given the highest priority to maintaining peace. Having peace is protecting the right to survival, which is the most basic human right. Peace has provided opportunities for development in all sectors, including health, social affairs, economy, education, employment, and the rights of women, children, people with disabilities, and the vulnerable, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and increasing the life expectancy of the population.
In addition, he recalled the Samdech Thipadei’s important policy of “leaving no one behind,” especially vulnerable groups such as women, children, people with disabilities, and LGBT groups. He emphasised that everyone should have their rights respected without discrimination, and all must exercise their legitimate rights and freedoms, respecting and not violating the rights of others.
HE Keo Remy, Senior Minister, said that this year’s celebration of Human Rights Day takes place when Cambodia is facing conflict along the Cambodian-Thai border, caused by the Thai military’s aggression against Cambodia’s territorial integrity, and the Thai military has seriously violated human rights, the Charter of the United Nations and ASEAN, international law, and international humanitarian principles. The Royal Government of Cambodia always shows a clear commitment to maintaining peace and resolving conflicts peacefully, and consistently implements with utmost patience in the spirit of the ceasefire agreement and the joint statement on peace because Cambodia clearly understands the value of peace and the consequences of war even though the Thai side has been provoking and inciting Cambodia. The sacrifices of the heroic Cambodian army in order to defend the homeland against the invading enemy are a sacrifice that is filled with pride and deserves the utmost respect and admiration, both for the soldiers themselves and their families, as well as the entire Khmer nation. Although Cambodia is small, as long as Khmer people of all classes and from all directions unite as one, our country will be strong, and neighboring countries will no longer dare to look down on us. [HE Keo Remy, Senior Minister,] asks all Cambodian people to unite and trust the leadership of Samdech Techo and Samdech Thipadei, and support the military heroes and their families as much as possible, and not to believe in any incitement and division from anywhere.
Finally, HE Keo Remy, Senior Minister, called on all citizens to exercise their rights and freedoms responsibly, avoiding violating or affecting the rights, freedom, honour, or dignity of others, and using them within the framework defined by the law. The CHRC remains committed to cooperating with all relevant parties to maintain peace and protect human rights and human dignity, respect for the law, and sustainable development for all citizens.
