GENEVA - UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said widening Thailand-Cambodia hostilities and the use of air strikes and heavy weaponry in and around populated areas raises 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," Türk said.
"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 7 December, 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.
Casino buildings and sites of alleged scam centres in Cambodia have also been reportedly struck. A survivor of an attack in O'smach, Oddor Meanchey, on 8 December told the UN Human Rights Office that one civilian was killed and two others injured in the strike.
Trafficked individuals of various nationalities are forced to carry out fraud at scam centres in Southeast Asia, including in Cambodia, and are now exposed to further risk by the fighting, Türk said, calling for the evacuation of those held there.
He said 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 conflict has forced some 750,000 people to flee their homes in border areas.
"Ensuring the safety of civilians and enabling their safe return home is vital," Türk said. At the same time, he 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.
Türk 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.
"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."
