The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) sent a letter on 8/9 to Ganna Yudkivska, chair of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, requesting a review of Thailand's detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers. 16 of these soldiers remain in custody since their capture in late July.

CHRC chair Keo Remy emphasized that the Cambodian soldiers were captured just hours after a ceasefire took effect. He accused Thai authorities of denying the soldiers access to lawyers, family, and Cambodian officials, despite repeated requests from Phnom Penh for their repatriation.

Thai soldiers stand next to captured Cambodian soldiers on 29/7. Photo: *Thai Army*

Keo Remy requested the UN Working Group declare the detention unlawful, citing violations of the bilateral ceasefire, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Against Torture, and the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

"The UN Working Group needs to act urgently to ensure the soldiers’ swift repatriation," the Cambodian official wrote.

The CHRC chair stressed that solitary confinement increases the risk of mistreatment. He urged the UN to encourage Thailand to uphold its international obligations and include the matter in its annual report to the Human Rights Council.

Thai officials have not yet commented on the Cambodian government's move.

Established in 1998, the CHRC is tasked by the Cambodian government with promoting human rights and the rule of law. Its primary roles include investigating and addressing human rights complaints, gathering information related to human rights implementation, organizing training and disseminating human rights information, and preparing reports for the UN.

Injured Cambodian soldiers are repatriated at the O'Smach International Border Crossing on 1/8. Photo: *Khmer Times*

Cambodia and Thailand reached a ceasefire agreement on 28/7 after five days of border clashes. The following day, the Thai army announced the capture of 18 Cambodian soldiers and reported two Cambodian fatalities following a clash in the Samtae area of Sisaket province.

Cambodia alleges the soldiers were captured while "approaching to offer greetings in a spirit of reconciliation," while Bangkok claims they "surrendered."

On 1/8, Thailand repatriated two injured Cambodian soldiers on humanitarian grounds. Thailand's Second Army Region stated that the repatriation of the remaining 16 soldiers would take longer due to verification procedures. Cambodian officials have repeatedly urged Thailand to expedite the repatriation process in accordance with international humanitarian principles.

Thanh Danh (*Khmer Times, APK*)