Phnom penh: The United Nations in Cambodia has voiced profound concern over the 2025 border conflict with Thailand, stating that such disputes inflict severe consequences on civilian lives and socioeconomic development. The UN emphasised the imperative of preserving peace and upholding international law.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the statement was made following a meeting on Mar. 12 between H.E. Keo Remy, President of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), and Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia, at the CHRC headquarters. The talks aimed to further strengthen cooperation between the CHRC and the UN on human rights issues.

During the meeting, H.E. Keo Remy briefed the UN on what he described as the severe impacts of the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He alleged violations of international law, particularly international human rights and humanitarian law, including discrimination and violence against Cambodian migrant workers, sexual violence perpetrated by Thai troops against female Cambodian workers, and noise pollution causing psychological distress to border communities.

Additionally, H.E. Keo Remy reported indiscriminate attacks using heavy weaponry, cluster munitions, toxic smoke, and fighter jets, which have resulted in damage to public and private property, including the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other allegations included theft of property by Thai military personnel and attempts to create a fait accompli in disputed areas, displacing approximately 40,000 people.

H.E. Keo Remy reaffirmed the Royal Government of Cambodia's full support and cooperation with the UN in Cambodia, despite a challenging global landscape. He reiterated Cambodia's commitment to a stance of restraint and peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with international law and existing legal mechanisms, while striving to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of affected populations.

In response, Ms. Andreeva thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia and the CHRC for their efforts and cooperation with UN mechanisms in promoting and protecting human rights, noting particular attention to the LGBTQIA+ community. However, she expressed serious concern over the 2025 border incidents and their impact on migrant workers and border communities.

"Conflicts always have severe impacts on the lives of people and the development of society," Ms. Andreeva stressed. "Peace must be preserved, and international law must be respected." She also highlighted the importance of civic space and the role of civil society organisations in advancing human rights and development, particularly at a time when displaced persons are in critical need of protection.

H.E. Keo Remy stated that the Royal Government of Cambodia values and believes in the importance of sincere cooperation with civil society and maintains an open civic space for broad participation in the promotion of human rights.

The meeting also addressed ongoing collaboration. Ms. Long Sonita, Vice-President of the CHRC, outlined areas for future cooperation including the implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations, institutional capacity building, technical support for the National Recommendations Tracking Database (NRTD), human rights education, monitoring of prisons and rehabilitation centres, and support for vulnerable groups. This includes support for Cambodian refugees, with a focus on mental health services and education for refugee children, as well as promoting awareness and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.