European Union and UNICEF delivered over 30 tonnes of emergency supplies to children and families displaced by border crisis in Banteay Meanchey province on Feb. 8.
The distribution ceremony was held at Wat Kandoal site in Thmar Puok district in the presence of H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia, H.E. Oum Reatrey, Governor of Banteay Meanchey, and Dr. Anirban Chatterjee, UNICEF Deputy Representative.
This joint mission highlights the EU’s response to the border crisis, supporting approximately 15,000 people—mostly women and children—across the provinces of Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, and Preah Vihear, read a statement of UNICEF Cambodia.
The supplies delivered include large tents and tarpaulins that serve as temporary learning and child-friendly spaces, ensuring that children can continue their education in a safe environment, it pointed out, adding that the delivery also provides hygiene kits, solar lamps, and critical health and water (WASH) supplies to help families maintain health and dignity while living in displacement sites.
H.E. Minister Dith Tina extended his gratitude to the EU and UNICEF for this humanitarian assistance and for their solidarity with the Cambodian people.
EU Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Igor Driesmans stated: “Today, we are proud to deliver essential supplies through our partnership with UNICEF Cambodia, in addition to the mental health support being delivered by the Transcultural Psychosocial Organisation Cambodia (TPO) to address the psychological impact of armed conflict on displaced populations. The EU is committed to supporting Cambodia and partners in safeguarding the wellbeing and dignity of every displaced child and family.”
For his part, Dr. Anirban Chatterjee, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Cambodia, said: “We sincerely thank the European Union for supporting children and families during this crisis, enabling continued access to critical services and the chance to rebuild their future. This support will help ensure that young children keep learning, that families have safe water and hygiene, and that communities can maintain essential health and dignity as they navigate this challenging period.”
The statement also reaffirmed the continued dedication of the EU and UNICEF to ensuring that children and families have access to essential assistance while also supporting preparedness and recovery efforts for affected communities.
