Em Sophal - ឯម សុផល

Dear Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, and representatives of the Australian Government,

We, members of the Cambodian-Australian community and supporters of peace and justice, have gathered here today with deep concern for the ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
We call upon the Australian Government to take a principled stand. Today, Cambodian sovereignty, security, and dignity are under threat. Thai forces continue to violate the ceasefire agreement, encroach upon Cambodian territory, and most recently, have detained 20 Cambodian soldiers illegally. These actions not only harm Cambodia but also destabilize peace and security in our region.
Australia has a proud history of supporting peace in Cambodia. From your vital role in the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements and the United Nations peacekeeping mission, Australia has long stood with the Cambodian people. We ask you to once again stand for justice, international law, and peace.
We urge the Australian Government to:
1. Publicly condemn violations of Cambodian sovereignty and the unlawful detention of Cambodian soldiers.
2. Call upon Thailand to respect the ceasefire and resolve disputes through diplomacy, not force.
3. Demand the immediate release of the remaining 18 Cambodian soldiers.
4. Work with ASEAN and the international community to support a peaceful, just, and lasting resolution.
~ Australia’s voice matters. Your action can help prevent further bloodshed, uphold international law, and protect the lives and rights of innocent people along the border.
Thank you.

As an Australian citizen Today, we must address a grave violation of international law and Cambodia’s sovereignty. Eighteen Cambodian soldiers were illegally arrested by Thai soldiers inside Cambodian territory despite an active ceasefire agreement mediated by Malaysia and the United States. These soldiers were fulfilling their duty to protect Cambodia’s borders when Thai forces crossed into Cambodian soil, disregarding the truce, and took them captive.

This is not just a legal issue, it’s a blatant breach of Cambodia’s sovereignty and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability.

We call on the Australian government, as a respected advocate for human rights and rule of law in ASEAN, to:
1. Publicly condemn Thailand’s unlawful incursion into Cambodian territory.
2. Demand immediate release of the 18 soldiers, who were detained in violation of the ceasefire.
3. Support an independent investigation into this breach of international law.

Australia has always stood for justice and peaceful conflict resolution. By speaking out, it can help prevent further tensions and uphold the principles of territorial integrity and fair diplomacy.
Thank you