We, representatives of Cambodian civil society, have grave concerns about the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute which has led to the fighting between the two countries, resulting in death and serious injury. This bloodshed is contrary to the principles of United Nations’ human rights conventions which both countries have ratified.

To avoid a continuing long-term conflict which may result in the loss of more lives, we, civil society representatives, would like to urge the top leaders of the two countries to resolve the dispute in the following manner:

1. The two sides must not use armed forces as a means to confront each other; both countries should withdraw their soldiers out of the disputed areas, to their previous positions. The civilian joint border committee should be assigned to ensure that this occurs, and should be the forum for discussing and resolving any issues of dispute on a daily basis.

2. In order to find a durable solution to the border conflict, the two countries must urgently engage in negotiations, bilaterally and multilaterally within both the ASEAN and the United Nations frameworks. In particular, ASEAN member countries should discuss the Cambodia-Thailand dispute, and possible mechanisms to resolve it, during the ASEAN Summit to be held in December 2008.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Thun Saray, ADHOC 016 880 509
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru, LICADHO 012 802 506
▪ Ms. Thida Khus, SILAKA 012 838 464
▪ Mr. Ou Virak, CCHR 012 404 051
▪ Mr. Pa Nguon Teang, VOD 012 598 066
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun, CDP 012 901 199

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