4 days ago
‘All we want is peace': Cambodian evacuees long for return to their pre-conflict lives
PHNOM PENH: As the shadow of armed conflict once again casts its darkness across Cambodia's northwestern border, the number of displaced civilians continues to rise — yet their message remains clear: they do not seek revenge. They want nothing more than peace, and to return to their homes.
Not one of the 124,940 civilians displaced by border tensions across five Cambodian provinces wants to remain in the crowded, makeshift camps. From elderly farmers to young schoolchildren, all share the same heartfelt wish: to return home as soon as possible.
Forced to flee their villages amid rising tensions along the Cambodian-Thai border, families now endure overcrowded shelters, uncertain futures and the emotional toll of separation from loved ones and livelihoods.
Their voices remain united in one clear message — these camps are not home, and peace is the only path that can lead them back.
'I'm afraid the Thai troops will launch another attack,' said Yen Bopha, 35, from O'Smach commune, in Oddar Meanchey province's Samraong town.
'My family left home to find safety.'
Bopha said none of them ever wanted to be so far from their homes. They want peace and to return as soon as possible. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Sweeping water from her tent shelter after a heavy downpour, Bopha said none of them ever wanted to be so far from their homes. They want peace and to return as soon as possible.
On Aug 5, driven by rumours of a renewed assault by Thai forces, more than 1,500 families — over 8,000 people — fled their homes.
The majority arrived at emergency centres in Srei Snam district, Siem Reap province.
Wat Chroy Neang Nuong, one of the largest camps in the area, received over 1,000 families alone, from the O'Smach area of Oddar Meanchey province.
Local authorities pray for peace
Mon Ngy Rainsy, deputy governor of Siem Reap, welcomed a delegation of diplomats from 11 nations and representatives of 15 UN agencies and partner organisations to the site.
She expressed the pain of displacement, while remarking at the resilience of the Cambodian people.
'Wat Chroy Neang Nuong is already full but we cannot say 'no' to our people,' she said.
'They came with nothing. We gave them tents, food and even temporary schools and health services for their children,' she added.
Rainsy told the international guests that life in the camps is difficult, and support — no matter how generous — cannot replace the comfort and dignity of home.
'They left their homes, their belongings, and in some cases even their children or husbands to watch over the houses. The cows and buffalo are still there. This is not life — it's survival,'
Her appeal was heartfelt and urgent.
'We want to strongly urge all ambassadors and international organisations to help end the fighting. Our people want to go home. They want to work. The children want to go to school,' she implored.
As she ended her remarks, Rainsy raised her voice above the crowd: 'We love peace!' Her call was met with cheers and applause from evacuees and volunteers alike.
International support
An EU representative met with refugees at the Wat Chroy Neang Nuong camp to learn about their living conditions.
Speaking in Khmer, Bryan Fornari, head of cooperation at the European Delegation, asked, 'Does the rain affect your living? Are there many mosquitoes?'
Several UN agencies in Cambodia joined a field visit organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to meet with displaced communities in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
He expressed concern about their daily struggles, inquired about their hopes of returning home and wished them a safe and speedy return.
Several UN agencies in Cambodia — including FAO, ILO, IOM, OHCHR, UN Women, UN-Habitat, UNDP, UNDSS, Unesco, UNFPA, Unicef, Unido, WFP and WHO — joined a field visit organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to meet with displaced communities in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces.
'We listened to the concerns of displaced families and assessed the situation on the ground. In coordination with national authorities, the UN — together with international and local humanitarian partners — has begun mobilising a humanitarian response to address the immediate needs of displaced communities,' announced the UN in Cambodia.
'Above all, we hope for a lasting peace that will enable communities to return home safely and rebuild their lives without fear,' it added.
A lingering threat
At the same camp, the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA) is leading emergency awareness campaigns to protect displaced families from another deadly threat: landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
'Even though they haven't returned home yet, we must prepare them,' said Eng Pheap, CMAA director of public relations.
'We are showing them what mines look like and teaching them not to touch anything suspicious. They should report any suspicious discoveries to village chiefs, commune heads or the police,' he added.
The CMAA's efforts are supported by the UN through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
So Lina, a programme analyst with the UNDP, stressed the importance of the awareness campaign.
'This is an opportunity,' she said.
'When they go home, they will be aware of the risks and know how to stay safe,' she continued.
Despite fear and uncertainty, the spirit of peace still runs deep. For thousands of Cambodians displaced once more by border tensions, their plea is simple: let us go home in peace. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
