Cambodia urges UN action over alleged Thai attacks on civilians

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 6, 2026) — Cambodia’s Human Rights Committee has filed a complaint with United Nations mechanisms, urging action over what it says are Thai military violations of Cambodian citizens’ rights to housing and property.

In a statement issued on Jan.5, the committee accused Thai troops of attacking civilians, looting belongings, and destroying homes in Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provinces, despite a Dec. 27 ceasefire agreement. Thousands of families were reportedly displaced.

The committee said the actions amount to forced evictions and breaches of international law, citing UN covenants and conventions protecting housing and property rights.

Under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s guidance, the committee appealed to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and UN Special Rapporteur Balakrishnan Rajagopal to investigate, press Thailand to withdraw forces, and ensure displaced civilians can return safely. It also called for reparations and guarantees against future violations.

“Housing is a fundamental human right, not a military target,” the committee said, warning that delays in intervention risk worsening humanitarian suffering and undermining peace and security.