Thailand and Cambodia ‍Clash: Cluster Munitions and‍ Civilian Toll spark International Concern

Border ⁣Dispute Escalates ⁣as Human Rights ⁣Watch Condemns Use of Prohibited Weapons

A tense border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has⁣ intensified,drawing sharp criticism from Human Rights Watch (HRW) for the alleged use of internationally prohibited cluster munitions in populated areas. The conflict, ⁤characterized by rocket and artillery exchanges, has forced the closure of 52 schools and seven hospitals for safety reasons, according to a statement released by the rights group on Saturday.

Escalation ‍and condemnation

Both nations have engaged in significant military action, wiht rocket⁤ and artillery attacks reported. Initially, Thailand denied ‍the use of cluster munitions, but⁤ a Thai military spokesperson later stated in a Friday statement that such weapons could be employed⁢ “when necessary” to target military objectives. ⁤HRW vehemently condemned this stance, highlighting the devastating impact of cluster ⁤munitions on civilian populations.

Neither Thailand nor Cambodia is a signatory to⁤ the Convention on Cluster ‍Munitions, ⁢a treaty that bans the use, production, and stockpiling of these weapons. This is not the first instance of their use in the conflict; Thai⁤ authorities previously deployed them during a border dispute ‍with Cambodia in February 2011, an incident that resulted in 20 fatalities.

“Neither thailand nor Cambodia appears to be paying attention to ⁤international humanitarian‍ law at great expense to civilians,” stated John Sifton, ⁢Asia advocacy director at Human Rights watch. “Diplomatic efforts underway need to prioritize protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.”

Thai officials have also confirmed the deployment of F-16 jets and⁤ drones for airstrikes, further escalating the military engagement.

International Response and Diplomatic Efforts

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on Friday but‍ did not issue a formal resolution on‍ the crisis.though, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reported on Saturday that ⁣all 15⁤ member states urged both sides to exercise restraint, cease hostilities, and pursue a peaceful resolution. ⁤The council also expressed support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) mediation efforts between its two member states.

Malaysian Prime Minister anwar Ibrahim, ⁣whose country currently holds the ASEAN chairmanship, indicated that ⁤both⁣ Thailand and Cambodia were receptive in⁣ principle to his ceasefire proposal. Malaysian media reported that Anwar has tasked his foreign minister with mediating peace talks to end the fighting.

Maris⁣ confirmed Thailand’s agreement in principle to the proposal but⁤ stressed that Cambodia must first demonstrate sincerity⁢ and halt hostilities. He added that Thailand remains‍ committed to⁣ constructive engagement⁣ with Malaysia.”Thailand reaffirms its commitment‍ to resolving the ‍conflict peacefully and‍ in accordance with international law,” the Thai ⁢Foreign Minister stated, urging Cambodia to “return to the ⁤negotiating table with sincerity and ⁤in good faith.”

The ongoing‍ conflict underscores the critical need for adherence to international humanitarian law and the prioritization of civilian safety in border disputes. Diplomatic channels remain open, ⁤with ASEAN playing a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and de-escalation.

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associated Press writers Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul and Grant Peck⁣ in Bangkok,⁤ and Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. ⁢sopheng Cheang reported from Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia.*