Cambodian civil society organisations (CSOs) have submitted petitions to the signatory nations of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements, calling for urgent action to protect Cambodia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and peace.
The CSOs, including associations, unions and youth networks, submitted petitions today, August 20, to the embassies of several countries that signed the agreements, including France and the US.
They explained that they aimed to urge these nations to uphold their commitments to the agreement and take immediate action, in response to recent military clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
The fighting saw numerous deaths and injuries, the displacement of tens of thousands of people, and damage to property and cultural heritage sites, including Preah Vihear Temple.
The CSOs views Thailand’s actions as violations of international law and a threat to regional peace and stability.
They urged the signatory states to convene an urgent consultation meeting under Article 5 of the Paris Peace Agreements, establish an international fact-finding mission to investigate the alleged violations, and coordinate humanitarian and peace-building efforts for affected communities.
Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, stated after submitting the petition to the French embassy that embassy officials welcomed them and enquired about the purpose of the petition, which was addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron. France co-chaired the October 23, 1991 signing of the agreements.
“This submission aims to reaffirm the commitment and obligation to ensure Cambodia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, national unity and peace, especially in the face of violations by Thailand, including past military engagements involving F-16 fighter jets and bombing,” he said.
“These actions have caused injuries, loss of life, property damage and forced tens of thousands of citizens to flee their homes. Many schools have been closed, and students and teachers have lost opportunities for education and work,” he added.
