Foreign envoys and international journalists summoned to observe the aftermath of a Cambodian military operation affecting the civilian population
In the ongoing dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, the Phanom Dongrak Chalerm Phrakiat 80th Anniversary Hospital has become the latest victim of BM-21 rocket strikes. This unfortunate incident is just one example of the escalating tension that has resulted in the death of eight civilians, including a mother and her eight-year-old child, and injuries to another 15 people.
The international community has responded with a call for both countries to cease hostilities, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, and resolve their dispute through peaceful dialogue. Governments and international bodies worldwide have condemned the violence and emphasized adherence to international humanitarian law.
The impact on hospitals has been particularly severe. Cambodian rocket and artillery attacks have caused damage to medical facilities on the Thai side, leading to the partial evacuation and closure of at least seven hospitals near the border for safety reasons. This unfortunate turn of events has compounded the civilian toll, which includes the loss of lives and injuries due to strikes on hospitals, homes, and other civilian infrastructure.
Diplomatic efforts have been intense. The United Nations Security Council, ASEAN, and various national governments have expressed deep concern, called for a ceasefire, and endorsed negotiations between both countries to peacefully resolve the dispute. The United States, United Kingdom, Timor-Leste, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan have also urged restraint, called for adherence to international law, and encouraged diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation and civilian harm.
Ras Chaleechan, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made a statement on Friday, addressing the international community about the situation. A delegation, consisting of diplomats, military attachees, and international journalists, visited areas affected by the Thailand-Cambodia border situation, specifically impacted by BM-21 rockets fired by Cambodian forces.
The attacks on hospitals have been widely condemned as violations of international norms protecting medical personnel and facilities during conflict. The United Nations Security Council and human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch have called on both parties to respect humanitarian law and protect civilians.
The ongoing conflict has displaced over 100,000 people and disrupted medical services, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact driving these international calls for peace. It is crucial that both countries heed these calls and work towards a peaceful resolution, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of their citizens.
The international community is urging both Cambodia and Thailand to halt hostilities, with a focus on protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, due to the escalating tension between the two countries. Various governments and international bodies worldwide have denounced the violence and emphasized the need for both parties to observe international humanitarian law.
The attacks on hospitals, like the Phanom Dongrak Chalerm Phrakiat 80th Anniversary Hospital, have triggered condemnation as clear violations of norms protecting medical personnel and facilities during conflicts. Both the United Nations Security Council and organizations like Human Rights Watch have pleaded for both parties to abide by humanitarian law and safeguard civilians.
The ongoing conflict has not only resulted in countless civilian casualties but has also displaced over 100,000 people, disrupting medical services and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. This underscores the urgency for both countries to heed the international calls for peace and prioritize the safety and wellbeing of their citizens.
The impact extends beyond war-and-conflicts and politics, affecting the general-news sphere and the crime-and-justice system, as diplomats, military attaches, and international journalists visit affected areas to report on the situation. Ras Chaleechan, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made a statement addressing the international community about the ongoing dispute.
