Cambodia Condemns Thai Military's Blockade of Displaced Civilians as Human Rights Violation

Cambodia has strongly condemned the situation where over 20,000 Cambodian civilians are unable to return to their homes due to barriers erected by the Thai military, labeling it a serious human rights violation. The statement was made by H.E. Pa Ponnarada, Cambodia's Alternate Representative to AICHR and a member of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee, at the First Special Meeting of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) for 2026, held in Manila, Philippines, from July 17 to 21. According to a press release issued by the Cambodian Human Rights Committee on the evening of July 22, H.E. Pa Ponnarada highlighted that the obstacles, including barbed-wire fences and shipping containers installed by the Thai military, have prevented more than 20,000 Cambodian displaced persons from returning. He stated that this clearly violates Point 4 of the ceasefire agreement signed on December 27, 2025, which stipulates that civilians living in the affected border areas should be allowed to return to their homes and resume normal lives as soon as possible, without obstruction, and in conditions of safety and dignity. He strongly urged all concerned parties to fully respect international humanitarian principles, uphold human rights, protect civilians, and ensure that affected residents can return home safely, voluntarily, with dignity, and in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, he emphasized that damage to or destruction of civilian property, including homes, schools, health centers, and other infrastructure, must be prevented and protected in accordance with international law. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Ms. Georgina Ann Hernandez Yang, Acting Chair of AICHR, and was attended by AICHR representatives and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat. This issue highlights the complex challenges of cross-border displacement and human rights protection in the region. Source: AKP Cambodia