Cambodia's human rights record drew a mixed verdict from UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council on October 2, 2026. He acknowledged progress in certain areas while insisting that serious challenges remain. His sharpest concerns centred on freedom of expression, which he said is still under strain. He also raised the narrowing room for civil society groups to organise and speak openly in the country. Andrews has built his mandate around pressing Phnom Penh on exactly these issues. Presenting at the Council puts the government's record formally before the member states. Cambodian officials can be expected to answer, as they have in previous rounds, by disputing his characterisations.