Cambodia defence ministry hosts ICRC talks on border developments

PHNOM PENH, April 1, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense held talks with a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to discuss recent developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border, officials said Tuesday.

With authorization from Defence Minister General Tea Seiha, Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth received the ICRC delegation led by Dorsa Nazemi Salma at the ministry in Phnom Penh.

Talks focused on the situation along the border and the delegation’s recent field visit. Dararoth thanked the ICRC for its humanitarian role, including the safe repatriation of 18 Cambodian soldiers.

The meeting underscored ongoing cooperation between Cambodian authorities and international humanitarian organisations in addressing cross-border concerns.

As armed clashes escalated between Thai and Cambodian forces in 2025–2026, the ICRC stepped up activities to meet humanitarian needs, regularly calling for restraint and protection of civilians under international humanitarian law.

The organisation has maintained confidential dialogue with both governments to monitor the humanitarian impact of hostilities, limit harm to civilians and infrastructure, and support national Red Cross societies.

In early 2026, ICRC delegations, often accompanied by government officials, were granted access to conflict-affected regions on both sides of the border to survey damage, interview communities and assess humanitarian needs.