UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has warned that the use of air strikes and heavy weaponry and the widening Thailand-Cambodia hostilities in and around populated areas raise serious concerns regarding protection of the civilian population.
He called for an immediate end to the fighting.
“I am alarmed by reports that areas around villages and cultural sites are being struck by fighter jets, drones and artillery,” said Türk, as quoted in a December 18 UN Human Right press release.
“Under international humanitarian law, it is very clear that protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is paramount,” he warned.
According to the release, Cambodia has reported 18 civilian fatalities, while Thailand has reported one civilian death. Strikes have increasingly been reported further from the border and into the territory of each nation, since fighting reignited on 7 December.
According to the UN, Thailand has destroyed casinos and alleged scam centres in Cambodia, as well as death and injuries to Cambodian civilians.
Türk noted that trafficked individuals of various nationalities are being forced to carry out fraud at scam centres in Southeast Asia, including in Cambodia, but warned that they are also face the risk of being caught up in fighting, and called for the evacuation of those held there.
He explained that international humanitarian law clearly spells out that any attack must comply with the fundamental principles of distinction, necessity and proportionality and for precautions to be taken to protect civilians. Any credible reports of unlawful attacks should be promptly, thoroughly and independently investigated.
The UN estimates that some 750,000 people have fled their homes in the border areas of both countries. Cambodia authorities said the number of displaced people in Cambodia is now close to half a million.
“Ensuring the safety of civilians and enabling their safe return home is vital,” Türk said.
He also reminded Cambodia and Thailand of their obligations under the Ottawa Convention. which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines.
“I urge both sides to cease fire immediately and return to dialogue,” he added, recalling a Joint Declaration to de-escalate the conflict reached by the two countries in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October.
“My office stands ready to assist with confidence-building measures, and to ensure that protecting the lives and welfare of civilians is the priority,” he said.
“Thailand and Cambodia have built a strong foundation of cooperation over many years, rooted in shared history and values, including their commitment to human rights. This conflict stands in stark contrast to that legacy of partnership. Both nations have the tools and the ties to chart a path back to dialogue and lasting peace,” he continued.
