Phnom penh: Cambodia has accused UNESCO of remaining silent and failing to take action to protect its World Heritage temples during the military clashes with Thailand, after UNESCO issued a statement expressing concern over the issue.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Keo R©my, President of the Cambodian National Human Rights Commission (CHRC), expressed his frustration on social media, highlighting that UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, comprises 194 member states. He noted that historically, UNESCO leaders have been not only experts in their fields but also deeply committed to safeguarding ancient temples, national heritage sites, and World Heritage sites. He emphasized that UNESCO consistently issues statements to protect and defend against threats to cultural heritage during domestic conflicts or international disputes.
Mr. Kaew's post further alleged that despite the damage inflicted on the World Heritage site by Thai soldiers, no experts or relevant international organizations have stepped in to stop or condemn the act. He portrayed the stone temples, meticulously built by Khmer ancestors, as "weeping in pain."
A statement released on the UNESCO website at 7:45 PM yesterday, Paris time, expressed grave concern over the renewed tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly in the area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, a World Heritage site designated on July 7, 2008. UNESCO called for urgent protection of this heritage, urging all parties to adhere to and respect international law, especially the 1954 Convention Concerning the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflict and the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Heritage of Culture and Nature. UNESCO affirmed its readiness to provide necessary technical assistance to ensure the protection of the cultural heritage and stated that necessary protective measures will be taken as soon as circumstances permit.