The dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, which has been going on for over 60 years, has flared up again. The fighting was concentrated in the regions of Surin in Thailand and Oddar Meanchey in Cambodia. Although a ceasefire agreement has been reached in Malaysia, tensions remain. Many families had to move into camps because their homes were destroyed by artillery fire, rockets and air strikes. The violence has resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides, both among soldiers and civilians.
Life in the camps is very difficult. Many children cannot go to school. They miss out on education and their social contacts. Without a stable home, they feel insecure. Families struggle to meet their basic needs such as food, hygiene and shelter. This puts them under great emotional strain. Many suffer from trauma from past war experiences. This leads to fear, insecurity and hopelessness. They do not know when they will be able to return and resume their normal lives.
In addition, Cambodia was not sufficiently prepared. There is a lack of everything in the camps: food, hygiene products and everyday necessities, especially for the most vulnerable. The current weather, with heavy rainfall and heat, is causing diseases such as fever and malaria. Elderly people and small children are particularly affected.
Connexio develop is supporting an emergency aid project of the Methodist Church with USD 10,000. The aid packages distributed contain rice, canned food, hygiene articles and drinking water. Above all, clean drinking water is crucial to prevent dehydration and disease. The distribution of these relief supplies not only meets urgent needs, but also brings hope and comfort to those who have experienced unimaginable hardship. The relief supplies help to restore a sense of dignity to displaced people.
The assistance packages are intended for households in which people with disabilities or elderly people live, for single women and for families with more than four children who are unable to provide for themselves.
The Methodist Church distributes the relief supplies regardless of religious affiliation. Because everyone needs help.
The psychological effects of the war and displacement weigh heavily on the families. They face an uncertain future and mourn the loss of loved ones. The people of Cambodia long for peace because they have already experienced many wars. Support is essential: psychological help, educational programs and community assistance. The international community must prioritize these people. But those who live outside the border conflict are also filled with fear. They are reminded of past traumas and feel helpless in the face of suffering.
Seeing the conditions in the camps was truly heartbreaking. Seeing families living in temporary accommodation and often having limited access to basic necessities filled me with deep sadness. It's hard to comprehend how quickly life can turn upside down. I am sad and angry about the circumstances that have led to this displacement.
I live in Phnom Penh and don't feel the direct effects. But I can see how the situation is affecting my family, especially my mother. Her generation has experienced wars and carries the traumas with them. The thought of new conflicts is incredibly stressful for her.
The sight of children and elderly people who are particularly vulnerable and looking for safety in such difficult environments was particularly harrowing. It made me reflect on the importance of solidarity and support from the international community. These people deserve not only immediate help, but also long-term solutions that will give them back their dignity and hope for the future. Ultimately, witnessing this situation has strengthened my conviction that we must work for peace and work towards a solution that prioritizes the well-being of those affected.
All photos are by Leng Thy and Kim Touch
Conflict background
- Renewed border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand
- The battles were concentrated in the regions of Surin in Thailand and Oddar Meanchey in Cambodia.
- Artillery fire, rockets and air strikes destroy houses, many dead and injured
Auxiliary measures
- Connexio develop supports an emergency aid project of the Methodist Church with USD 10,000
- Relief supplies are distributed to selected homes with special needs, regardless of religious affiliation.
Connexio develop supports partner organizations in various areas in emergency situations.
If you want to help too, please donate!
