UNICEF urges protection of children as Thai-Cambodian violence escalates

UNICEF has expressed concern over the escalating violence along the Thai-Cambodian border, which has resulted in civilian casualties, including the deaths of children, June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific said in a statement today.

Due to the ongoing violence, hundreds of schools along the border have been temporarily closed, she said.

June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific

The organisation has called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to protect children and the critical services they rely on, in line with their obligations under international law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Kunugi stated that children must be protected at all times and their safety and well-being prioritised, while schools must remain safe spaces for learning.

Read more:

- LIVE: Thai-Cambodian border clashes

- Timeline : Neighbours at war