Civil society representatives and specialist investigators have begun a four-day rapid assessment on the environmental impact of the potential use of chemical weapons by the Thai military during the recent border conflict. Their findings will be shared with national and international stakeholders in the pursuit of justice for affected communities.
The assessment is being conducted along key areas of the Cambodia-Thailand border in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces from 5-8 September, according to a joint press release.
A coalition of Cambodian civil society organisations, including the CHRAC, NGO Forum on Cambodia, CLEC, FTUWKC and PADEK, along with environmental specialists/defenders, lawyers, advocacy and human rights experts, and social scientists, is performing the investigation.
“The assessment will focus primarily on assessing the environmental impacts caused by the reported use of chemical weapons and toxic smoke during recent clashes along the border, particularly on Cambodian territory. Reports from affected communities have already indicated possible damage to forests, wildlife, crops, water sources and human health,” said the statement.
The initiative aims to document and verify the impacts of possible illegal actions towards holding any accountable parties responsible, under international law and justice mechanisms.
The participants will engage constructively with the Cambodian Government, state parties, relevant UN agencies and related international technical committees to ensure transparency and accountability, as well as any possible redress.
They stressed that the use of chemical weapons and toxic smoke is prohibited under international law, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, and poses grave risks to both human security and environmental sustainability.
The findings of the assessment will be consolidated into a report to be shared with domestic and international stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard and that justice and environmental protection are pursued at all levels.
They also called for cooperation and understanding from all related authorities and concerned parties, as they fulfil their mission.
