Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn held a virtual meeting with new UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia Vitit Muntarbhorn on July 1 to discuss a wide range of issues.

According to the foreign ministry's press statement, the meeting touched on international and regional cooperation, the pandemic situation, democracy and human rights.

Sokhonn told Vitit that Cambodia had put in place various strategies in responding to the pandemic and to mitigate socio-economic impacts, particularly on the poor and vulnerable. The government had also provided cash and food assistance to people affected by the recent large-scale lockdowns and free vaccinations for the people.

Vitit lauded Cambodia's Covid-19 response and its continued cooperation with the UN on human rights mechanisms.

Sokhonn noted that among the mechanisms, one had been established to promote closer partnership between the government and civil society organisations.

“All legal and administrative actions have been strengthened and enforced as law permits. All charges have been carried out by the court regarding any criminal offence that violates the Constitution,” Sokhonn was quoted as saying.

Muntarbhorn has held his first meetings with different ministries, relevant institutions and CSOs since he replaced Rhona Smith in March.