UNICEF and IOM Cambodia have begun delivering part of the $1.8 million in grant assistance provided by the government of Japan to displaced people from the recent border clashes, beginning today, September 15, with people at a safe shelter in Preah Vihear province.
According to a joint press release, a total of over 70 tonnes of emergency supplies, including shelter, non-food items (NFIs), hygiene kits, clean water and early learning materials, will be delivered to children and families sheltering in overcrowded pagodas and other temporary sites in the coming weeks.
“We are deeply grateful to the government and people of Japan for this timely support. For children, the crisis is not yet over. Their access to clean water, safe learning spaces and mental health care remains fragile. With Japan’s contribution, UNICEF and IOM can deliver urgent and essential services that protect children now and support families as they recover,” said UNICEF Cambodia deputy representative Anirban Chatterjee.
The Government of Japan has donated $1.8 million to UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support their emergency response and recovery efforts in the border area between Cambodia and Thailand, delivering life-saving assistance for children and families affected by the border crisis.
In Cambodia, thousands of children continue to endure unsafe water, poor sanitation, and untreated trauma. Many families are returning to damaged homes with limited access to schools, healthcare and protection services.
“Without urgent support, these hardships will further undermine children’s growth and well-being,” said the release.
“I sincerely hope that the supplies and facilities will bring meaningful support to the people in the border areas, and that it will help people to reestablish peace and stability in their lives as soon as possible,” said Nagase Kensuke, deputy chief of mission of the embassy of Japan in Cambodia.
Since the onset of the July 24-28 armed conflict, tens of thousands of families and children have been displaced, while hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers have returned from Thailand. People in both categories face loss of income and challenges in rebuilding their livelihoods while their families and children have limited access to essential services.
According to the release, this partnership will last for six months, during which Unicef and IOM will expand recovery efforts in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces, reaching more than 77,000 people, including over 50,000 children.
The project will see the installation and improvement of toilets and water supply systems in selected areas, provision of 1,500 self-learning materials to create safe spaces for children’s protection and development delivery of water and hygiene supplies to schools in the three most affected districts in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, benefiting at least 38,000 school children.
Several other related services will also be provided.
“With the generous support of the government and people of Japan, IOM and UNICEF will deliver urgent assistance to displaced families and returning migrants affected by the crisis in Cambodia,” said Nellie Ghusayni, IOM Cambodia chief of mission.
“These supplies will help families meet their immediate needs in displacement sites and affected communities, and support their recovery,” she added.
