The Tragedy of Preah Vihear Temple 

These images speak for themselves. They reveal a blatant disregard for international law, a lack of respect for cultural values, and a profound violation of humanity’s shared heritage.

Preah Vihear Temple is not merely stone. It is the soul of Khmer history, a cultural heritage whose value transcends national borders, a testament to Khmer civilization, and a shared treasure of all humankind. The destruction of, or damage to, a World Heritage site is not only an infringement on Cambodia’s cultural sovereignty, but also a violation of international law and the obligations of all states within the international community.

The images and evidence of cracks and damage to the ancient structures clearly point to the use of weapons by the Thai military and actions carried out with no respect for cultural and historical values. Such acts stand in direct contradiction to international conventions on the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflict and betray the very spirit of peace that the international community claims to uphold.

We call upon the world not to remain silent in the face of this tragedy. Silence is complicity it allows the destruction of humanity’s heritage to occur again and again, without accountability.