The Cambodian mine authority has condemned Thailand’s continued military aggression and the dissemination of false information aimed at concealing its illegal military actions.
A December 23 statement form the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) noted that the Thai military has dropped bombs in civilian areas and used illegal weapons against Cambodia, violating Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with military force, including the use of F-16 fighter jets to drop bombs.
It said such actions have resulted in civilian casualties and the large-scale displacement of innocent civilians, as well as the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, pagodas and critical civilian infrastructure. Such acts constitute grave violations of the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter and the most fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, it added.
“Cambodia reiterates its concern about Thailand’s use of cluster bombs and toxic smoke in or near civilian areas. These weapons are indiscriminate and have long-term effects on the population, polluting the land for generations and continuing to pose a threat even after the war has ended.
“The use of such weapons in populated areas is an inhumane and unlawful act and constitutes a war crime under international law,” it said.
According to the CMAA, concurrently with creating tension, the Thai side has exploited the issue of mines through unverified images and staged various scenes to mislead information and cover up their actions.
It suggested that Thailand has attempted to divert international attention from its aggression against Cambodia and its illegal actions by using the mine issue as an argument, such as accusing Cambodia of laying new mines.
“Photographs and evidence without verified location, date, preservation or neutral technical assessment cannot be considered evidence under international law. Thailand’s repeated assertions cannot become truth,” said the CMAA.
“Cambodia has maintained great restraint during the period of tension and Thai aggression. However, restraint does not mean silence, and silence does not mean acceptance. Cambodia will not accept aggression, undermining humanitarian principles or misleading international opinion through the provision of fake news,” it added.
Cambodia calls on the international community to condemn Thailand’s military aggression against Cambodia and appeals to the UN, ASEAN and other relevant international mechanisms to take immediate action to protect civilians and uphold international law, and urges all states committed to peace and the rule of law to reject fake news and hold those who attack civilians accountable, said the CMAA.
It added that Cambodia remains committed to peace and dialogue, but peace cannot be built through aerial attacks on civilians, aggression or the creation of events to cover up its violence.
