A Cambodian representative at the UN recently highlighted in Geneva how last year's border conflict displaced thousands of Cambodian women and children, who still can't return home.
Speaking at a meeting on September 16, the representative explained that the armed conflict not only claimed lives but also left many homeless and insecure, with infrastructure destroyed and impacts on education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
He noted that over 20,000 Cambodians, including more than 9,400 women and 6,000 children, have been displaced due to the Thai military's illegal occupation of Cambodian territory.
He also mentioned that the use of cluster bombs by the Thai military has made many areas unsafe. After the border conflict, investigations revealed that nearly 4,000 square kilometers across seven provinces were affected, with almost 3,000 square kilometers contaminated by cluster bombs.
These unexploded bombs not only prevent displaced people from safely returning but continue to pose a threat to civilians, especially women and children, with long-term impacts on future generations.
He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to fully respecting international and humanitarian law, emphasizing their importance in protecting civilians from the effects of war.
