Phnom penh: UN Human Rights Chief H.E. Volker Trk has warned that the use of air strikes and heavy weaponry and the widening Thailand-Cambodia hostilities in and around populated areas raise serious concerns regarding protection of the civilian population.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Volker Trk emphasised that "under international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is paramount," and further called for the evacuation of civilians of diverse nationalities trapped in casino buildings and sites under attack.
He underscored that all attacks must be in full compliance with the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including distinction of targets, necessity and proportionality, along with all necessary precaution measures to be in place for civilian's protection.
H.E. Volker Trk called on both parties to immediately cease fire and to return to peaceful dialogue within the framework of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement.
He further reiterated the OHCHR team's available assistance to support confidence-building efforts and to ensure that the protection of civilian lives remains of the utmost importance.