The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has announced that it will submit an urgent petition regarding the “brutal and barbaric” actions of Thai military leaders Weerayuth Raksil, Commander of Army Region 2, and Worayos Luangsuwan, Commander of Army Region 1, who it accuses of war crimes and severe human rights violations.
In a statement released this afternoon, December 11, the CHRC vehemently condemned the attacks by the Thai military, led by Weerayuth and Worayos, accusing them of using heavy weapons and toxic gas on civilian areas in Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang and Preah Vihear provinces, as well as the destruction of ancient temples, which are national and world heritage sites.
As of noon on December 11, 11 Cambodian civilians were reported killed, with at least 75 wounded and almost 200,000 displaced.
“These inhumane and barbaric acts constitute severe violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as war crimes. Please note that according to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, attacks on or targeting of civilian locations are strictly prohibited, and the use of toxic gas is a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Thailand is a party,” said the CHRC statement.
This petition will be submitted to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and other relevant parties. It calls for an independent investigation, immediate and strict measures, and demands for accountability under the law.
The CHRC said the Thai military has launched multiple attacks on Cambodian soil, using a range of weapons, including F-16 fighter jets and toxic gas, which constitute severe violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
It also violated the ceasefire agreement and the joint statement on the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, which was recently signed in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair, noted the committee.
The CHRC urged the international and regional communities to pressure Thailand to immediately cease its unlawful activities and condemn the two Thai military leaders and all other individuals involved, while insisting they accept full responsibility for the impact of Thai aggression.
The committee added that Cambodia remains committed to respecting and fully implementing the ceasefire and the peace agreement, and will continue to monitor, record and report on these human rights violations.
