The Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have confirmed that for the first time since their July 29 capture, 18 Cambodian soldiers being held in Thailand have exchanged letters with their families, through the Red Cross humanitarian system.
Pum Chantini, CRC secretary-general, met with Jurg Montani, head of the ICRC Regional Delegation in Bangkok, met at the Cambodian Red Cross headquarters on September 8.
Yu Lana, CRC second deputy secretary-general, said the ICRC team had visited the soldiers, delivering messages from their wives and children, before facilitating the soldiers’ replies. The letters were later forwarded to their families through the CRC.
“These messages were for their spouses and families. No one can know the contents of the letter, not even our officials. This is in accordance with international humanitarian law,” Lana stressed.
Montani praised the CRC for its swift humanitarian response, which also includes providing food and essential items to displaced people, promoting hygiene, and raising awareness about the dangers of landmines, unexploded ordnance and cluster munitions.
Under the Geneva Conventions, all parties to armed conflict are obliged to ensure that detainees can maintain contact with their families. The Red Cross family messages are considered an essential means of preserving family bonds, and contain only personal information.
The ICRC reaffirmed its commitment to continue facilitating family communication and providing humanitarian support in conflict situations.
