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Cambodia Raises Border Conflict Impact on Women, Children at UN Human Rights Council
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 17, 2026: Cambodia has told the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva that armed conflict continues to inflict severe harm on Cambodian civilians, particularly women and children, with more than 20,000 people still displaced and new cluster munition contamination affecting Cambodian territory.
H.E. Ambassador Ke Sovann, Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the UN Office at Geneva, delivered the statement on Sept. 16, 2026, during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner's Analytical Report on the Human Rights of Women and Children in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations.
The Ambassador highlighted the devastating impact of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict on civilians and called for full respect for international law, humanitarian law and human rights law to protect non-combatants from the consequences of war.
He also rejected what he described as unfounded allegations by Thailand and clarified Cambodia's position on several issues: the initiation of hostilities, landmines, damage to cultural heritage — particularly Preah Vihear Temple — UN documentation of displacement and damage to civilian infrastructure, and what he called unlawful actions by Thai armed forces in areas of Cambodian territory under illegal occupation.
The Ambassador reiterated Cambodia's call for the full implementation of the Joint Statement of Dec. 27, 2025.
Source: Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the UN Office at Geneva
Reported by The Khmer Today
