Jesuit Father Enrique Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, has called on Cambodian and Thai authorities to ensure that military forces fully honor the ceasefire agreement signed on August 7.
The priest warned that continued clashes threaten hopes for lasting peace.
“The population had high hopes and was very happy and encouraged by the ceasefire agreement signed on August 7. Now the call is: respect it! We call on the governments to ensure that the military respects the agreement so that a genuine and lasting peace can be built,” Father Figaredo told Vatican’s Fides News Agency.
The agreement, brokered through Malaysia’s mediation, brought relief to communities in the border areas of northern Cambodia.
However, Father Figaredo noted that “according to media reports and witnesses, even after the agreement … isolated clashes and shootings continue to occur” along the Cambodia–Thailand border.
While the ceasefire has renewed optimism, more than 100,000 people remain displaced on the Cambodian side, mostly within the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang.
“For this reason, we are working to assist the displaced, many of whom are in the refugee camps set up by the government, but also scattered throughout the region,” he said.
Caritas Cambodia, in partnership with Caritas Internationalis, has launched an appeal for donations and completed three humanitarian missions, delivering rice, vegetables, hygiene kits, and plastic sheeting for shelter.
In provinces like Preah Vihear, where small Catholic communities are present, residents continue to face insecurity and hardship.
“People are living in insecurity and hardship; this sudden war has shattered their peaceful lives, and they are marked by suffering. One thing is clear here: the Cambodian people deeply long for peace,” Father Figaredo stressed.
Despite the challenges, he observed “a large influx of aid and profound solidarity … helping to sow a seed of hope. But the violence must stop completely; a definitive peace agreement is needed.”
The Apostolic Prefect is also collaborating with monks from the Buddhist University of Battambang to collect humanitarian aid.
“In this time of need, we want to show empathy and make it clear that solidarity knows no religious boundaries: We are working with the Buddhist monks for the good of the people and for the highest good, peace,” he said.
The theme of peace will take center stage at the Cambodian youth’s Jubilee celebration on August 15 in Siem Reap, where about 1,000 young people from across the country will gather.
“It’s a gathering that we place under the protection of the Virgin Mary, so that she can help us guide our steps toward harmony and peace,” Father Figaredo said.
On August 17, the Catholic community of Battambang will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary with a Eucharist and a procession through the streets.
“It will be a beautiful moment of witness to our faith … Together we will ask for peace and commit ourselves to always making choices for peace,” he said.
