On Respect for Cambodian Sovereignty, Human Rights, and Regional Peace Marking the 77th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Day for Non-negotiable Peace, Justice and Dignity!
On the occasion of the 77th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the Cambodian Human Rights Action Coalition (CHRAC) reaffirms that respect for human rights, state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful coexistence are fundamental pillars of international law and essential to regional and global stability.
CHRAC expresses its serious concern regarding recent actions and developments along the Cambodia–Thailand border, which risk escalating tensions and undermining peace, civilian safety, and long-term regional trust. Based on observable developments and historical context, we are concerned that Thailand’s actions and official rhetoric have contributed to heightened tensions, including the framing of landmine-related incidents in ways that risk justifying military escalation rather than peaceful resolution.
It is well documented—through ASEAN mechanisms, international demining programs, and humanitarian assessments—that Cambodia remains heavily affected by landmines as a legacy of decades of armed conflict. These realities are internationally recognized and should be addressed through humanitarian cooperation, technical assistance, and dialogue, and must never be instrumentalized to escalate confrontation or legitimize the use of force. Strict adherence to ceasefire agreements and the restraint of military movements are crucial safeguards against further escalation and unnecessary loss of life.
CHRAC recalls that Thailand is a signatory to the Paris Peace Agreements (1991), which reaffirm Cambodia’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and political neutrality. These commitments, together with Thailand’s obligations under the United Nations Charter, require the peaceful settlement of disputes, strict respect for international borders, and the protection of civilian populations.
We are particularly alarmed by reports indicating that Thai armed forces have entered contested areas, restricted access, erected barbed wire, and confiscated land and property belonging to Cambodian villagers, without bilateral agreement or peaceful dispute-resolution mechanisms. Such unilateral actions, if substantiated, may constitute serious violations of international law, including principles governing state sovereignty, civilian protection, property rights, and international human rights and humanitarian law.
CHRAC also expresses concern over the long-term social consequences of escalating rhetoric and confrontations, including the emergence of hostile and discriminatory narratives, which risk fueling division, racism, and hatred—outcomes fundamentally incompatible with human rights values, regional harmony, and peaceful coexistence.
At this critical moment, peace, de-escalation, and the protection of human rights are urgent necessities, not political options. Ceasefire commitments and international agreements must be implemented in good faith, not treated as instruments of political maneuvering, as human lives, civilian livelihoods, environmental protection, regional peace, and sustainable development are at stake.
Accordingly, CHRAC:
- Calls on the Government of Thailand to fully respect Cambodia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and civilian safety in line with the UN Charter, the Paris Peace Agreements, existing bilateral agreements, recent international ceasefire agreement and declarations, and international human rights standards;
- Urges both States to resolve all border-related disputes exclusively through peaceful, bilateral dialogue and recognized international legal mechanisms;
- Calls for the immediate protection of civilians, including Cambodian villages and communities living in border areas, and full respect for their land, property, livelihood, environment and Cambodian and international heritages, the temples;
- Encourages international partners and relevant institutions, particularly UN specialized agencies and ASEAN, to closely monitor the situation and, where credible evidence exists, support independent and impartial investigations and ensure accountability through appropriate international justice mechanisms for serious violations of human rights, humanitarian law, or environmental harm.
CHRAC stands firm in its commitment to human dignity, peace, accountability, and the rule of law. On this International Human Rights Day, we reaffirm that human rights, sovereignty, and peace are inseparable, and that lasting regional and global peace cannot be achieved where neighboring states remain in conflict. Peace in the world is unattainable if Cambodia and Thailand are drawn into war.