UN human rights expert Tom Andrews wrapped up his first official visit to Cambodia, and while he appreciated the government's cooperation, he couldn't help but notice a few lingering issues - like, say, the lack of freedom of expression, overcrowded prisons, and senior officials allegedly dabbling in cyberscam operations. It's the kind of hospitality where they let you meet with activists but also imprison them for exercising political rights.

Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Cambodia, did acknowledge some progress: the government has closed scam compounds, pledged to tackle prison overcrowding, improved economic conditions for millions, and signed onto various human rights treaties. But he also noted that over 100 people might be detained for exercising basic freedoms, laws often clash with international standards, opposition parties face harassment, and scammers aren't being pursued with much vigor.

With elections on the horizon in 2027 and 2028, Andrews emphasized that the government should probably respect political opponents' rights - a novel concept. Meanwhile, over 20,000 Cambodians remain displaced near the Thai border, their villages occupied by Thai soldiers. Andrews stressed that Thailand and Cambodia need to cooperate so civilians can return home. “They need, and deserve, to go home,” he said, in what we can only hope isn't a controversial statement.

In other news, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has warned that ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Iran conflict could become an “ecological timebomb.” The culprit: biofouling, where marine organisms like algae and small critters build up on hulls. Ships sitting idle for long periods are prime real estate for these hitchhikers, which could then be transported to new environments once shipping resumes. IMO spokesperson Natasha Brown recommends following biofouling guidelines, though it's unclear if the stranded vessels have access to a good hull-scrubbing service. Bioinvasions are apparently spreading at an "alarming rate," and the IMO is working on a legally binding treaty to address the issue - because apparently, we needed a treaty to tell us not to give invasive species a free ride.

Finally, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has released its 2025 report, showing it assisted 17.8 million people across 170 countries and territories. That's a lot of people, especially in a year marked by conflicts, disasters, and record needs - not to mention a sharp drop in aid funding. The IOM provided shelter to 7.3 million, delivered 4.2 million health consultations, and supported 5.1 million with water and sanitation. Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels noted that needs hit unprecedented levels while resources contracted dramatically. But, she added, IOM stayed where it was needed most - which is good, because someone has to be there when the going gets tough and the funding gets scarce.