Cambodia urges peaceful settlement of disputes, calls for ICJ use at UN meeting

PHNOM PENH, Feb 2, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s permanent representative to the United Nations has urged countries to resolve disputes peacefully and make greater use of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), warning against attempts to sidestep treaty obligations.

Speaking at an Arria Formula meeting of the UN Security Council in New York, Ambassador Keo Chhea underlined the importance of respecting international treaties to safeguard global peace and security.

The session, themed “Upholding Respect for Treaties to Maintain International Peace and Security”, was convened by Pakistan’s permanent mission to the UN.

Keo Chhea said treaties provide legal certainty and foster trust between states, which he described as vital for stable international relations. He voiced concern over what he called efforts by some countries to evade legally binding commitments by citing domestic legal or political grounds.

“Domestic law should not be used as a justification to terminate or withdraw unilaterally from treaties that remain in force,” he said.

The envoy urged parties to pursue peaceful solutions and encouraged recourse to the ICJ, stressing the need for full and faithful implementation of its rulings in line with Article 94(1) of the UN Charter.

Political science scholar Kin Phea told KPT English last week that disputes should be settled on the basis of treaties, bilateral agreements and internationally recognised maps, noting that French colonial records remain the most important legal reference.

He argued the main obstacle was not a lack of evidence but what he described as Thailand’s insufficient commitment to a peaceful settlement.

Phea urged Cambodia to strengthen defence, diplomacy and internal unity, warning that domestic divisions had already cost the country lives and territory.

“Political violence and discrimination have weakened Cambodia before. Continued infighting would only erode our sovereignty further,” he said.