Letter of Condemnation of the Thai Invasion of Cambodia and Violations of the Human Rights of the Cambodian People

The undersigned Cambodian Civil Society organizations unequivocally condemns the use of force, military incursions, and serious violations of international law allegedly committed by the Thai government/military within Cambodian territory. These acts constitute grave breaches of the UN Charter, ASEAN Charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law, and represent a direct threat to civilian, regional peace, and the international rules-based order.

Following the Thai government’s declaration of heavy military operations intended to weaken Cambodian forces over the long term, the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia and a few other creditable sources report that, up to 24 December 2025, military actions including airstrikes (F-16), artillery shelling, and the use of various munitions have resulted in at least 21 Cambodian civilian deaths and 83 reported injuries. Many additional civilians have been affected, and the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has risen to 607,980 people, which mostly women, up to 52% and 32% are children. In addition, 127 civilian houses, schools in 5 locations, 3 local health centers and 1 local market have been destroyed. These populations have been forcibly displaced due to ongoing hostilities and insecurity.

The attacks have caused extensive destruction of homes, personal property, and critical physical infrastructure. CSOs have also observed instances of Thai soldiers entering civilian residences, raising serious concerns regarding the loss and destruction of private property and violations of international humanitarian law.

Civilian objects protected under international law including priceless historic temples, homes, villages, schools, hospitals, bridges, and other essential public infrastructure have reportedly been destroyed or rendered unusable. Hundreds of villages across five provinces along the Cambodia–Thailand border have been abandoned, many homes have been devastated and destroyed by bombs, heavy artilleries, and machine guns, and it is giving rise to a serious humanitarian and protection crisis.

CSOs are deeply alarmed by credible allegations of grave human rights violations, including sexual violence against a Cambodian civilian, allegedly committed by a group of members of the Thai military. Such acts, if substantiated, may amount to war crimes and crimes under international law, and require urgent, independent, impartial, and effective investigation, with perpetrators held individually accountable.

These actions demonstrate a prima facie violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, as well as violations of the Geneva Conventions, customary international humanitarian law, and core international human rights treaties. They further contradict Thailand’s obligations as a signatory to the Paris Peace Agreements, which expressly commit to respecting Cambodia’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, national unity, and human rights, to which Thailand is also a signatory.

CSOs underscore that aggression and militarization cannot constitute lawful or legitimate means of addressing bilateral issues. The continued escalation of force not only causes civilian harm and destruction but also undermines regional stability, ASEAN’s foundational principles, and prospects for sustainable social and economic development for both countries.

Therefore, we call for:

1. The immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of all invasion war actions from Cambodian territory;
2. Full respect for international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects;
3. Independent international investigations into alleged violations, destructions, including sexual violence and unlawful killings;
4. Meaningful accountability​ and responsibility, through appropriate national, regional, or international mechanisms, including engagement with relevant UN mechanisms and international justice institutions, where jurisdiction permits.
5. Well protecting the civilian and vulnerable groups, especially children, women, persons with disabilities and the elderly, in accordance to the international law.

CSOs urges the international community, the United Nations, and ASEAN to take concrete actions and act proactively rather than reactively. Delayed or selective responses to aggression only entrench impunity and normalize violations. Creative, lawful, and principled measures including diplomatic pressure, preventive engagement, targeted sanctions where appropriate, and international monitoring are both wise and necessary to deter further violations and protect civilians.

Peace, sovereignty, and human rights cannot be preserved through silence or inaction. Immediate, principled, and coordinated international action is required to uphold the international rule of law, prevent further harm, and ensure that accountability not impunity prevails.

This letter of Condemn is endorsed by:

Condemning Statement_22 December 2025_CSOs_24 Dec am