Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, delivered on July 28 a powerful address during the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament, held under the theme “Leading for Inclusive and Lasting Peace” held Geneva.
With tears streaming down her face, Samdech Khuon Sudary addressed fellow women Speakers from over 30 countries during Session 1 on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda 25 Years On: Persisting Challenges and the Way Forward, where she expressed deep concern over escalating aggression and the erosion of global peace mechanisms.
“The world today stands at a critical juncture. We face a stark choice: peace or war, the rule of law or its erosion, shared prosperity or destructive zero-sum thinking,” Samdech stated, adding that the weakening of global governance and disregard for international law threaten peace and stability worldwide.
Calling on her fellow women leaders to act, Samdech Khuon Sudary emphasised women leaders everywhere must stand up to protect the rules-based international system, particularly the respect of the UN Charter.
Turning attention to Cambodia’s immediate security concerns, the President of the National Assembly made a strong appeal to the global community:
“We call upon the Thai military to end its aggression against Cambodia, which violates the UN Charter by undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a sovereign nation,” she said.
She went on to condemn the reported use of cluster bombs, chemical weapons, F-16 fighter jets, drones, and heavy artillery by Thai forces, which she said have killed innocent civilians, displaced hundreds of thousands, and destroyed hospitals, schools, and local livelihoods. She emphasised that women and children bear the brunt of these attacks.
“Clearly, this is a war crime and a crime against humanity,” she asserted.
“I urge the international community to pay close attention to this. We need you to help find the truth and justice,” she added.
Her impassioned statement drew attention to the human cost of conflict and called on the moral leadership of women parliamentarians around the globe to take a stand for peace, justice, and the rule of law.
