"Both sides must fully respect this important agreement in good faith while continuing diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said today, referring to the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.
Turk stated that both countries need to restore border security and ensure compensation for victims and those displaced by the conflict. He urged Cambodia and Thailand to protect civilians to prevent further harm due to the bilateral tensions.
"Amidst the tension, it is crucial for Cambodia and Thailand to act to rebuild trust, counter inflammatory rhetoric, and address misinformation. Both governments also have a responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of each other's citizens within their respective territories," he added.
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Cambodian and Thai military leaders met at the border area on 29/7. Photo: AFP |
Cambodian and Thai military leaders met at the border area on 29/7. Photo: AFP
Cambodia and Thailand reached a ceasefire agreement on 28/7 following talks in Malaysia. However, Thailand subsequently accused Cambodia of multiple ceasefire violations at the border and even warned of "decisive action" if these continued.
Cambodia rejected this information, claiming that Thailand was "fabricating and creating misunderstandings". Cambodian Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Maly Socheata affirmed the country's unwavering commitment to implementing and maintaining the ceasefire terms, as well as adhering to international law, the principles of peaceful coexistence, and multilateral cooperation.
Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand erupted near the Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of 24/7 and later spread to other areas along the border. This was the most serious clash between the two neighbors in over 10 years, resulting in a total of 38 deaths, including 25 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia.
The ceasefire has helped freeze the conflict, but observers believe it is only the first step for the two countries to find a way to resolve the border dispute that has existed for over a century.
Thuy Lam (AFP)
