Sardar Umar Alam, acting UN resident coordinator and UNESCO representative in Cambodia, has urged Cambodia and Thailand to build on the recent ceasefire and move toward a lasting peace. His calls followed a two-day field visit to temporary shelters housing displaced families in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces.
During the August 6-7 joint visit, representatives from UN agencies, foreign embassies, and Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation assessed the humanitarian conditions of the thousands forced to flee their homes due to recent cross-border clashes.
“UN agencies and partners witnessed the difficult conditions faced by displaced communities. Families are enduring significant hardship and require urgent humanitarian support,” said a statement from Alam.
He commended the swift and coordinated response by humanitarian partners, including local authorities, UN agencies, civil society groups and volunteers.
“Since the onset of the conflict, they have worked tirelessly to provide safe spaces, temporary shelter and essential services,” he said.
Ongoing support at the displacement sites includes the provision of clean water, sanitation, food — especially rice — shelter, healthcare, education and protection services.
“During our interaction, the community called for peace and a safe return to their homes. This is the priority we must all work together to support,” Alam added.
The UN reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting humanitarian efforts and to helping affected communities rebuild their lives.
