Japan Provides Additional $1.3 Million to Support Cambodian Returnees and Displaced Families  

PHNOM PENH, June 18, 2026 (KPT) — Japan has pledged an additional $1.3 million to assist Cambodian returnees, displaced families and refugees affected by the border crisis with Thailand, officials said Wednesday. The funding supports a new United Nations‑backed recovery and resilience project.

Labour Minister Heng Sour launched the initiative, implemented by UNFPA, IOM and UN Women in partnership with the ministry. He said the project aims to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, while supporting the reintegration of former migrant workers.

Sour thanked Japan for its support, noting the programme reflects the shared commitment of Cambodia, Japan and the UN to strengthen resilience against future shocks. He highlighted government measures that have helped around 650,000 returnees secure jobs, including 340,000 through ministry‑facilitated mechanisms, with others benefiting from job fairs, vocational training and free skills certification.

Acting UN Resident Coordinator Sandra Bernklau described the project as both a humanitarian response and an investment in long‑term resilience. Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi said the initiative would ease hardships faced by displaced families and former migrant workers, especially women and children.

Government data show nearly 970,000 Cambodians returned from Thailand by the first quarter of 2026, while 28,460 remain displaced, underscoring the continuing impact of the border crisis.