Cambodia has called for stronger international support to address the humanitarian needs of Cambodian citizens displaced by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, urging Thailand to facilitate their safe and dignified return to their homes.
The call was made by H.E. KE Sovann, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in Geneva, during the general debate of the 77th Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme in Geneva on Oct. 13.
In his statement, the Cambodian representative reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to international refugee protection as a State Party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, as well as its longstanding cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
He expressed concern over the growing scale and complexity of forced displacement worldwide, noting that armed conflicts, violence, persecution, human rights violations, disasters and the adverse effects of climate change continue to force millions of people from their homes.
H.E. KE Sovann commended UNHCR for its efforts to protect refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless persons, and provide humanitarian assistance and pursue durable solutions despite severe resource constraints.
Addressing Cambodia’s situation, he said the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict displaced approximately 650,000 Cambodians at its peak in December 2025. He added that homes, schools, healthcare facilities, roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure, and religious and cultural sites had suffered extensive damage.
Although the ceasefire remains in effect, more than 20,000 Cambodians are still unable to return home, according to the statement. H.E. KE Sovann attributed their continued displacement to the occupation of areas of Cambodian territory by Thai armed forces, restrictions on access to homes and communities, and further destruction of Cambodian homes and infrastructure in those areas.
He said the situation undermined prospects for the displaced people to return and constituted a serious violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
Despite substantial relief assistance from the Royal Government of Cambodia and international partners, those who remain displaced continue to face significant humanitarian challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, livelihoods and other essential services.
H.E. KE Sovann stressed the urgent need for the full and good-faith implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of Oct. 26, 2025, and the Joint Statement of the Third Special General Border Committee Meeting of Dec. 27, 2025.
He reiterated Cambodia’s call for Thailand to respond to its repeated requests to resume dialogue through existing mechanisms, facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced Cambodians, and refrain from further destroying Cambodian properties and infrastructure in areas currently occupied by Thai armed forces.
Cambodia also encouraged UNHCR, in accordance with relevant United Nations General Assembly resolutions and in close coordination with the Royal Government of Cambodia and relevant UN agencies, to support efforts to address the humanitarian and protection needs of displaced Cambodians and contribute to durable solutions, including their safe and dignified return.
H.E. KE Sovann further emphasised that preventing forced displacement, whether across international borders or within national boundaries, requires full respect for the UN Charter and international law, as well as a commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He called for adequate, predictable and sustainable funding to enable UNHCR to fulfil its mandate effectively amid growing humanitarian needs and increasing pressure on its limited resources.
Cambodia, he added, fully supports UNHCR’s reforms and remains committed to working constructively with the organisation and the international community to strengthen international protection and advance durable solutions.
