8/6/2019 CCHR 17 July 2011 Press Release - CCHR Calls on Cambodian and Thai Govts to Put People Before Politics

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Press Release – Phnom Penh, 17 July 2011

CCHR releases “Blurred Boundaries” briefing note in advance of tomorrow’s ICJ decision and calls

for a permanent peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand that puts people before politics 

The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (“CCHR”), a non-aligned, independent, non-governmental

organization that works to promote and protect democracy and respect for human rights throughout

the Kingdom of Cambodia (“Cambodia”), calls f or both Cambodia and Thailand to use tomorrow’s

International Court of Justice (the “ICJ”) decision  –  in response to Cambodia’s request for an

interpretation of the 1962 ICJ judgment over the sovereignty of the disputed Preah Vihear temple  – as the first step on the path to a permanent peace deal on the long-standing border conflict between

the two countries.

CCHR marks tomorrow’s ICJ decision by releasing a briefing note entitled “Blurred Boundaries: A

Briefing Note on the Cambodian-Thai Border Tensions”, which sets out the history, causes and

developments of the long-running border dispute. It is now vital that both countries allow third

party independent players – either international or regional – to help them reach a final resolution to

the border conflict, so as to end the ongoing bloodshed and displacement of civilians.

In anticipation of the decision by the ICJ, CCHR President Ou Virak commented: 

“Tomorrow’s ICJ decision represents an opportunity for a fresh chapter in Cambodian-Thai relations

that should not be spurned. The Cambodian government’s application to the ICJ is a step in the right 

direction in terms of resolving the border conflict, and the incoming Thai government should 

capitalize on its new mandate by setting aside the political games that have dogged negotiations thus

 far and by working in partnership with Cambodia. Any further ICJ decision relating to the disputed 

territory surrounding Preah Vihear temple will not amount to a resolution to a dispute that concerns a

stretch of border around 160 kilometers long. Nevertheless, the decision could be a springboard to a

  permanent peace settlement to the wider border conflict. Both governments must seize this

opportunity to honor their democratic mandates and put their people before politics.

- END -

For more information, please contact Ou Virak via telephone at +855 (0) 12 40 40 51 or e-mail at

ouvirak@cchrcambodia.org. 

Notes to Editor

CCHR was founded in November 2002.

Ou Virak, CCHR President, won the 2007 Reebok Human Rights Award  for his work promoting

freedom of expression. CCHR is a member of the  International Freedom of Expression Exchange 

(IFEX), the global network for free expression.