Shakeel Ahmed, deputy resident representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Cambodia, expressed deep personal sorrow after witnessing the living conditions of displaced families during a two-day humanitarian visit to refugee sites in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces.
Ahmed was part of a joint delegation comprising diplomats from 11 countries and representatives from 15 UN agencies and partner organisations who visited Wat Phnom Thmar Kobor in Banteay Ambil and Wat Bat Thlao in Chong Kal, in Oddar Meanchey province, and Wat Chroy Neang Nuong camp in Srei Snam district and Wat Prasat Banteay Srei in Banteay Srei district, Siem Reap province, on August 6 and 7.
The visit aimed to assess the needs of communities displaced by recent tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.
“All these scenes are very touching,” Ahmed said, visibly moved while holding a young baby in his arms.
“All the communities we have met, they are passing through a lot of pain. Their situation and their conditions are very heartbreaking, and we feel very sorry for everyone,” he added.
He noted with particular sadness the plight of the women and children who are forced to live in makeshift shelters, with limited access to basic services.
“I met some of the women and their young babies. I was very sad to see that the babies are in such conditions,” he said.
“I also feel very sorry for all the children who are not able to go to schools because of this, and for all the women who are here, spending their nights on the floor,” he added.
The UN and its partners have pledged to continue working with local authorities to provide emergency relief and long-term support to displaced families.
The humanitarian visit came as tens of thousands remain uprooted from their homes due to tensions at the border, many of them relying on international and local relief groups for food, shelter and medical aid.
