ICRC Pledges to Strengthen Cooperation and Support for Cambodia

AKP Phnom Penh, July 02, 2026 --​ The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening cooperation and support for Cambodia across humanitarian and development initiatives. The pledge was made during a meeting on Thursday afternoon between Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Mr. Jürg Montani, Regional Head of Delegation of the ICRC, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. Mr. Montani briefed the Prime Minister on the close cooperation between the ICRC and the Cambodian Red Cross, as well as with the Royal Government of Cambodia, particularly in emergency response efforts and the promotion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). He also expressed satisfaction with the ICRC’s contribution to facilitating humanitarian work during the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. During his visit to Cambodia, Mr. Montani said he had inspected the implementation of physical rehabilitation assistance projects in Battambang province and healthcare programmes in prisons. The ICRC, he stressed, remains committed to expanding its cooperation and support for Cambodia in the future. In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet congratulated Mr. Montani on his appointment as Regional Head of Delegation and highly valued the ICRC’s role in contributing to Cambodia’s socio-economic development. The Prime Minister thanked the organisation for its support to Cambodian displaced persons during the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and for actively facilitating the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been unlawfully detained by the Thai side. He also expressed satisfaction with the fruitful partnership between Cambodia and the ICRC, acknowledging the organisation’s support for numerous projects in the country and reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation. Samdech Thipadei highlighted the Royal Government’s strong commitment to social protection through the National Social Protection Policy Framework 2024-2035, including cash assistance programmes for pregnant women in prison and children under two years of age living with their mothers. He encouraged the ICRC to deepen engagement with relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions to further enhance cooperation and partnership. The Premier also reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to upholding international law, including International Humanitarian Law. Before concluding the meeting, Samdech Thipadei briefed the ICRC delegation on recent developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border issues peacefully, based on international law and in accordance with existing conventions, treaties, and agreements between the two countries. By C. Nika