Cambodia Presses UNESCO to Act Against Unauthorized Replicas of World Heritage Sites

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.26,2026) — Cambodia has urged UNESCO to set clearer rules to prevent unauthorized copying and commercial reproduction of World Heritage sites, warning the practice undermines the integrity of globally recognized cultural landmarks.

Speaking at the 25th Session of the UNESCO General Assembly of States Parties, held Nov. 24–25, Culture Minister Pheung Sakona said recent cooperation between the World Heritage Centre and member states had strengthened protection of cultural and natural sites.

But she cautioned that growing cases of illegal replicas and distortions of protected properties require urgent attention. The session was chaired by Gayane Umerova, with UNESCO Director-General Khaled Ahmed El-Enani Ali Ezz in attendance.

Sakona told delegates that infringements linked to unauthorized copying are increasing while enforcement under the 1970 and 1972 Conventions has weakened.

She recalled raising similar concerns in July, when Cambodia criticized construction of a large-scale replica of Angkor Wat in a neighboring country.

She warned that replicas risk damaging the authenticity and Outstanding Universal Value of original sites and could diminish the cultural identity of local communities.

“Cambodia strongly urges the World Heritage Centre and the UNESCO Legal Committee to urgently address this issue by defining clear directions within the framework of the 1970 and 1972 Conventions,” Sakona said, calling for closer cooperation with member states to prevent future violations.