(Phnom Penh): Preah Vihear Temple is internationally recognized both in law and in heritage governance. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple lies on Cambodian territory, a judgment reaffirmed by the Court’s 2013 interpretation confirming Cambodia’s sovereignty over the promontory and surrounding structures. The site is also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage property, which carries obligations for all States Parties under the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

Under these frameworks, cultural heritage in conflict zones is subject to explicit protection. The Hague Convention of 1954 and its Protocols prohibit:
- the targeting of cultural sites
- the use of such heritage as justification for military attack
- any action resulting in damage without strict military necessity and proper legal procedure

Even if armed incidents occur in proximity to a heritage site, the burden remains on parties to exercise the highest degree of precaution and to submit verification to neutral monitors. Assertions that a World Heritage site has become a “military base” require credible evidence, international inspection, and formal notification to UNESCO before any implied loss of protection can be argued.

Cambodia has repeatedly expressed readiness for third-party monitoring, including ASEAN mechanisms and relevant UN agencies. Transparency and verification are essential to prevent misinterpretation, escalation, and reputational damage for any state involved.

The current moment calls for procedural clarity, not rhetoric.

International legal instruments already exist to address concerns:
- ICJ jurisdiction over the temple and its vicinity
- UNESCO/World Heritage Committee oversight if there are claims of misuse
- Hague Convention obligations regarding cultural property during hostilities
- UN Charter principles requiring maximum civilian and heritage protection

Public communication should reflect these legal frameworks.
Where claims are made, evidence must follow through appropriate channels and international review so that cultural heritage is never reduced to a tool of narrative conflict.

This article was written by Midnight- The Quiet Catalyst.
=FRESH NEWS