Geneva: UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk on Thursday raised a serious concern about widening Thailand-Cambodia hostilities and its impact on civilians calling for an immediate end to the fighting. In a statement issued in Geneva, Turk expressed concern over the use of air strikes and heavy weaponry in and around populated areas, in addition to villages and cultural sites that are being struck by fighter jets, drones, and artillery.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the conflict has forced some 750,000 people to flee their homes in border areas. The High Commissioner stressed the importance of protecting Thai and Cambodian nationals in each other's territory, including their freedom of movement and to safely return if they choose. Turk 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.
"Under international humanitarian law, it is very clear that protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is paramount," the High Commissioner warned. Since fighting reignited on December 7, Cambodia has reported 18 civilian fatalities, while Thailand has reported one civilian death. Strikes have increasingly been reported further from the border and into each other's territories. The UN official said that the 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," he added.
"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 added.