Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed deep concern over the humanitarian consequences and human rights violations linked to Thai military operations along the border.
Speaking at the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, in Geneva, Switzerland on Feb. 24, H.E. Prak Sokhonn stated that since mid-2025, Thai military operations have expanded into several border areas, causing serious impacts on Cambodian civilians. Although a second ceasefire agreed upon late last year remains in effect, it continues to be fragile, he noted.
The Cambodian Foreign Minister added that since the agreement, military positions have been established beyond claimed lines, resulting in encroachments deep inside Cambodian territory. In several occupied border villages, civilians were reportedly forcibly expelled from their homes, houses were destroyed, and military infrastructure was erected. Access to certain areas has also been restricted through the use of barbed wire and container barriers, preventing the safe and dignified return of displaced populations, contrary to the arrangements agreed upon by both countries.
At the height of the hostilities, nearly 650,000 people were displaced, he recalled. According to the Ministry of Interior, as of 7:00 a.m. on Feb. 24, a total of 65,174 displaced persons, including 34,338 women and 21,793 children, had still not been able to return to their homes.
H.E. Prak Sokhonn stressed that actions directly affecting civilians raise serious concerns under international law and human rights standards, particularly regarding the right to life, personal security, freedom of movement, the right to adequate housing, and access to cultural and religious life.
The Cambodian top diplomat further emphasised that throughout this period, Cambodia has exercised restraint and responsibility by providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring the continuity of essential services for displaced persons, and remaining firmly committed to an effective and lasting ceasefire, as well as to peaceful dialogue aimed at restoring normalcy.
Underscoring that the protection of human rights is inseparable from peace, Cambodia called for full respect and faithful implementation of existing agreements, the withdrawal of Thai military forces from Cambodian territory, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the principles of non-use of force, international law, and international humanitarian law.
“Only such an approach will allow the two peoples to coexist in peace, stability, and mutual respect,” H.E. Prak Sokhonn underlined.
