(Phnom Penh): The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) announced that on 18 December 2025, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed grave concern after receiving reports on the escalating conflict between Cambodia and Thailand and the attacks involving F-16 fighter jets, drones, and heavy weaponry in and around civilian-populated areas, including villages and cultural heritage sites, resulted in civilian fatalities, according to a press release seen by Fresh News on Friday (Dec. 19).

He emphasised that, “under international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is paramount,” and further called for the evacuation of civilians of diverse nationalities trapped in casino buildings and sites under attack. He underscored that all attacks must be in full compliance with the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including distinction of targets, necessity and proportionality, along with all necessary precaution measures to be in place for civilian’s protection.

Volker Türk called on both parties to immediately cease fire and to return to peaceful dialogue within the framework of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement. He further reiterated his team’s available assistance to support confidence-building efforts and to ensure that the protection of civilian lives remains of the utmost importance.
=FRESH NEWS