BATTAMBANG (Fides): “The population had high hopes and was very happy and encouraged by the ceasefire agreement [between Cambodia and Thailand] signed on August 7. Now the call is: respect it! We call on the governments to ensure that the military respects the agreement so that a genuine and lasting peace can be built,” urged Jesuit Father Enrique Figaredo, apostolic prefect of Battambang, Cambodia.
Father Figaredo pointed out that, according to media reports and witnesses, even after the agreement signed thanks to Malaysia’s mediation, isolated clashes and shootings continue to occur in the border areas between Thailand and Cambodia.
“The population welcomed the signing of the ceasefire agreement with relief. And we have all gained new hope. Nevertheless, there are still over 100,000 internally displaced people on the Cambodian side, primarily in the border areas of northern Cambodia,” the nuncio said—all areas under the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, which borders Thailand.
“For this reason, we are working to assist the displaced, many of whom are in the refugee camps set up by the government, but also scattered throughout the region,” he notes.
Caritas Cambodia–which has also launched an appeal for donations in collaboration with Caritas Internationalis–has already carried out three humanitarian missions, distributing rice, vegetables, hygiene kits, and plastic sheeting for protection against the weather.
We call on the governments to ensure that the military respects the agreement so that a genuine and lasting peace can be built
Father Enrique Figaredo
“In provinces like Preah Vihear, there are mission stations with some small Catholic communities,” with which the prefecture is in contact. “People are living in insecurity and hardship; this sudden war has shattered their peaceful lives, and they are marked by suffering. One thing is clear here: the Cambodian people deeply long for peace,” Father Figaredo emphasises.
He said that “a large influx of aid and profound solidarity can be observed, helping to sow a seed of hope. But the violence must stop completely; a definitive peace agreement is needed.”
Working with the monks of the Buddhist University of Battambang, the apostolic prefecture, has organised donations for humanitarian aid for displaced people: “In this time of need, we want to show empathy and make it clear that solidarity knows no religious boundaries: We are working with the Buddhist monks for the good of the people and for the highest good, peace,” the apostolic prefect emphasised.
Around 1,000 young people from across Cambodia were also scheduled to celebrate their Jubilee with the theme of peace on August 15 in Siem Reap. “It’s a gathering that we place under the protection of the Virgin Mary, so that she can help us guide our steps toward harmony and peace,” Father Figaredo, said.
