Geneva: The protections accorded to prisoners of war are not exhausted by humane treatment during captivity; they culminate in their immediate and unconditional release and repatriation, said Ambassador Dara In, Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in Geneva.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Ambassador Dara In made this statement during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council, in an interactive dialogue with the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. He expressed gratitude to the Working Group for its report and highlighted the importance of liberty as the rule, with detention being the exception. He emphasized that arbitrary detention is not just a procedural issue but a serious violation of human dignity and international legal norms.
The Cambodian delegation voiced deep concern over the continued detention of eighteen soldiers captured by Thailand shortly after a ceasefire on July 28. Ambassador In asserted that their status as prisoners of war is clearly defined under Article 4 of the Third Geneva Convention, which mandates their immediate release and repatriation as per Article 118. He argued that any delay or condition placed on their release constitutes unlawful confinement and breaches international law, potentially leading to individual criminal liability under the Rome Statute.
The ambassador reiterated that the protections for prisoners of war must lead to their immediate and unconditional release. He called on the Human Rights Council and the Working Group to advocate for the soldiers' release in accordance with international law, aiming to uphold peace, justice, and humanity.