On the occasion of International Children’s Rights Day, on June 1, the Catholic Community in Cambodia, together with the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See and both Mahanikay and Thommayut Buddhist communities, urgently called for an end to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Recently, these religious communities came together for the 8th Buddhist-Christian Colloquium held in Phnom Penh from May 27–29 on the theme “Buddhists and Christians Working Together for Peace through Reconciliation and Resilience.”
The dialogue highlighted Cambodia’s model of religious harmony, a testament to peaceful coexistence and unity. Cambodia stands as an example to the world of what interreligious understanding can achieve.
However, while we celebrate peace in our land, we cannot remain silent in the face of grave suffering elsewhere.
As we reflect on the rights and dignity of children on this significant day, we are heartbroken by the ongoing violence in Gaza, where tens of thousands of innocent lives—especially children and infants—have been lost.
The gospel account of King Herod’s massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago haunts us with deep sorrow. Today, that same tragic reality is unfolding in Gaza.
Since 2023, it is estimated that over 18,000 children and babies have perished in this brutal conflict. Thousands more suffer the consequences of war: displacement, hunger, injuries, trauma, and a complete lack of access to education or healthcare.
The images of devastated families, destroyed homes and lifeless children flood our social media feeds daily, weighing heavily on our hearts.
As a community that has been blessed with peace and religious harmony, we, the Catholic Church in Cambodia, cannot stand by in silence.
We join our voices with people of all faiths and goodwill in an urgent appeal to the United Nations and the international community: End the war in Gaza. Protect the children. Uphold the dignity of every human life.
Let us work together, across faiths and nations, for a world where peace prevails and every child can grow free from fear in a safe and loving environment.
Kagnha Keo, RVA Khmer service
