Cambodia raises concerns over impact of border dispute on women at Francophonie meeting

PHNOM PENH, Feb 24, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has voiced concern over the plight of women and girls displaced by the border conflict with Thailand, warning they remain in a vulnerable position despite a ceasefire agreement.

Addressing the governing board of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie’s (OIF) “La Francophonie for Women and Girls” Fund in Paris on Feb 23, Cambodia’s ambassador to France, Louy David, said more than 60,000 Cambodians had yet to return home.

“Cambodian women are in a vulnerable situation in the context of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict,” he told the meeting, citing barbed wire, shipping containers and destroyed homes in areas Phnom Penh claims as its territory.

The session, chaired by OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo, reviewed the fund’s sixth year of implementation and set priorities for 2026.

Cambodia urged the organisation to focus on projects supporting displaced women and girls, particularly resilience and economic empowerment.

According to the Interior Ministry, 66,628 people – including 35,099 women and 21,971 children – remain displaced as of Feb 23. Cambodian officials accuse Thai forces of creating “facts on the ground” inside disputed territory, despite a ceasefire signed on Dec 27, 2025.

That agreement committed both sides to allow civilians to return home “in safety and dignity, and without obstruction.”