Cambodia Raises Alarm Over Civilian Toll and Unexploded Munitions at UN

NEW YORK, Sep 17, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has warned of the humanitarian toll from its border conflict with Thailand, telling the UN Human Rights Council that more than 20,000 civilians remain displaced and face ongoing risks from unexploded cluster munitions. Addressing the Council in Geneva on September 16, Ambassador Ke Sovann said the fighting had uprooted over 9,400 women and 6,000 children, with families unable to return due to what Phnom Penh describes as the “illegal occupation” of Cambodian territory by Thai forces. He said the conflict had caused loss of life, widespread displacement and damage to civilian infrastructure, while disrupting access to education, healthcare, livelihoods and essential services. Cambodia also reported that cluster munitions were used against its territory in 2025. Surveys across seven provinces identified nearly 4,000 square kilometres of newly affected areas, including almost 3,000 square kilometres contaminated by cluster munitions. Sovann warned that unexploded submunitions continue to endanger civilians and prevent displaced communities from returning home safely. He stressed that women and children are particularly vulnerable to the lingering effects of the conflict. Cambodia called for full respect of international humanitarian and human rights law, urging stronger protection for civilians against the lasting consequences of armed violence.