AKP Phnom Penh, January 15, 2025 --

The displaced communities in Oddar Meanchey province and four other provinces affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border clashes have received support from the Australian Government, in partnership with Oxfam, according to a press release issued this evening. 

Today, financial assistance distribution began for 3,050 displaced families across camps in Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces. This support is designed to help families meet urgent needs such as food, shelter and essential supplies, while restoring dignity and stability during times of crisis.

H.E. Mean Chanyada, Oddar Meanchey Provincial Governor, expressed his gratitude for the support from Australia and Oxfam, while the distribution ceremony was held in Chong Kal Thmey camp to 1,519 families. 

This assistance will bring immediate relief to families in his province and shows the importance of international cooperation in humanitarian response, he said. 

Australian Ambassador H.E. Derek Yip said Australia has been a steadfast and trusted partner for Cambodia for decades. 

He noted that the challenges facing Cambodia civilians displaced by the conflict are significant, and Australia has stepped up to provide urgent assistance in the form of clean drinking water, food, shelter, sanitation and financial assistance to help displaced families meet their immediate needs. 

“Our strong desire is for the ceasefire to be maintained and a fair and enduring peace to prevail so people can return safely to their homes,” he stressed. 
At the same time, Ms. Phean Sophoan, Oxfam in Cambodia's National Director, said with the support of the Australian Government, Oxfam is able to provide lifesaving assistance while also working with communities and partners to build longer term solutions.

Humanitarian support is not only about meeting urgent needs today, but also about laying the foundation for recovery and a more just future, she underlined, adding that while this is the first response under the support of the Australian Government through Oxfam, it is already Oxfam's sixth humanitarian intervention since July 2025.

 
By Heng Panha