The United Nations’ special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Rhona Smith, will begin her first visit to the Kingdom today, almost six months after it was announced she would be taking the job.

Smith will be in Cambodia for nine days, during which she will meet Prime Minister Hun Sen, Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng and other senior government figures.

She will also meet representatives of civil society and local community groups and members of the donor community.

“I am looking forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue with the Royal Government and people of Cambodia to further promote and protect human rights in the country,” Smith said in a statement issued by her office yesterday.

Smith was originally meant to visit in May, but the trip was delayed for unspecified reasons.

Following her visit, Smith will produce a report to be presented to the 30th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which began on Monday and runs until October 2.

Smith is the first woman to hold the position, which was first established as part of the 1991 Paris Peace Accords.