01/08/2025
A Call for Justice and Protection: Safeguarding Cambodian Lives and Sovereignty
Based on my personal experience during the refugee crisis in 1979 and from 1981 to 1983, the treatment of Cambodians by Siamese forces along the border was extremely brutal and inhumane. Those who were captured were often shot and killed immediately, or subjected to severe physical violence—beaten, kicked, and left with internal injuries so grave that many coughed blood, lost their sanity from trauma, or died in unbearable agony. There was no regard for human dignity, no respect for international humanitarian law, and no observance of the protections afforded to prisoners of war. These actions constituted serious violations of international law and human rights and caused lasting scars—both physical and psychological—on countless innocent Cambodian lives.
Today, we and the international community must stand together to protect the dignity and safety of our soldiers. We must demand the immediate and unconditional return of any Cambodian soldiers who have been illegally detained by the Siamese army. They must be brought back safely, with full respect for their rights and humanity. This is not only a matter of national sovereignty, but also a call for justice and accountability in accordance with international law.”
“Based on personal experience during the refugee crisis, the treatment of Cambodians by Siamese forces along the border was not only inhumane but often brutal and life-threatening. Those who were captured were frequently subjected to extreme physical violence—many were shot and killed on the spot, while others were severely beaten, kicked, or left with internal injuries so severe they coughed blood, suffered psychological breakdowns, or died in agony. There was no mercy shown, no respect for international humanitarian law, and no adherence to the rights of prisoners of war. These acts of cruelty were systematic and left deep physical and emotional scars on countless innocent people. Such actions represent grave violations of international law and human dignity, and they must be acknowledged as part of the tragic history endured by Cambodian refugees.”
