Help Khmer Social Workers Care for Foster Children

Humanitarian Crisis Along the Cambodia-Thailand Border, The recent escalation of armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has triggered a humanitarian crisis along the border, displacing tens of thousands of people and leaving communities in turmoil. The clashes, which erupted over long-disputed border areas, have resulted in at least 33 deaths and forced more than 168,000 individuals to flee their homes.

One of the affected regions is Pursat province, where residents living near the border have been forced to abandon their homes due to the threat of violence and ongoing bombardment. According to the Cambodian Ministry of Information, over 10,000 families approximately 37,000 people from three border provinces have evacuated to safer areas.

Civilians in both countries have borne the brunt of the violence, with homes, schools, Preah Vihea Temple and even hospitals damaged in the crossfire in Odor Meanchey and Preah Vihea Province. And In Pursat, many families fled with only what they could carry, seeking refuge in temporary shelters set up by local authorities and humanitarian organizations. The psychological toll is immense, as families face uncertainty about their safety, livelihoods, and future.

In response to the crisis, the Cambodian government, in coordination with provincial authorities, took swift action to ensure the safety of its citizens especially children living near the conflict zones.

Pursat is one of the target provinces where M’lup Russey has been actively working in partnership with the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (DoSVY), key community members, local authorities, and the Church to support child protection and disaster response efforts.

One of the most severely affected areas in Pursat whose name cannot be disclosed reportedly endured 30 shell attacks from Thailand, according to information gathered from refugees and local authorities. To protect civilians, authorities designated three temporary shelters for displaced families: a high school, a primary school, and a pagoda. These locations served as safe havens until the government declared the border situation stable enough for residents to return home.

During the return process, M’lup Russey received a formal request from the Pursat Provincial Department of Social Affairs to provide essential relief materials to support families transitioning back to safer areas. The requested supplies included:

50 tents

50 mats

50 mosquito nets

50 hammocks

2 boxes of sanitary pads

50 raincoats

Once all materials were prepared, the M’lup Russey social worker diligently and closely with both the head and deputy head of the Pursat Provincial Department of Social Affairs to visit the affected areas. The team conducted on-site observations and held discussions with local authorities to better understand the situation and the immediate needs of children and families.

Through these consultations, a distribution plan was developed using two practical approaches:

o   Direct Distribution – Delivering supplies directly to each family’s tent or temporary shelter.

o   Authority-Based Distribution – Handing over materials to local officials responsible for managing the areas where families and children are staying during their return.

This collaborative effort highlights the importance of timely humanitarian response and the strength of community partnerships in supporting vulnerable populations during times of crisis.

International bodies, including the United Nations and ASEAN, have called for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution. U.S. President Donald Trump has also urged both nations to halt hostilities and return to diplomatic negotiations.

As of August 5, 2025, the situation at the border remains quiet but tense, with both Cambodian and Thai forces maintaining caution. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense reported that the General Border Committee (GBC), led by Major General Sin Sokha, continues to meet with Thai counterparts to enhance the effectiveness of the ceasefire agreement and build mutual trust. The GBC Secretariat Meeting was held from August 4 to 6, followed by the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee on August 7, 2025.

Ministry of National Defense – Public Announcement

The Ministry of National Defense informed the public and both domestic and international media about the outcomes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 7 August 2025.

The meeting was co-chaired by:

H.E. General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia

H.E. Nattaphon Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of National Defense of the Kingdom of Thailand

The discussions were held in a constructive and positive atmosphere, leading to several important agreements:

Both parties agreed on the terms and mechanisms for implementing a ceasefire arrangement.

The minutes of the meeting were officially adopted.

A joint statement was issued to affirm the outcomes.

The Ministry encourages the public and media to stay informed and updated on further developments.

As a Christian NGO committed to child protection and emergency response, M’lup Russey has been actively mobilizing resources and working in close collaboration with relevant authorities. Our mission goes beyond immediate intervention we are dedicated to responding to crises and supporting the long-term restoration of affected communities. In times of conflict and disaster, we stand alongside children and families, ensuring their safety, dignity, and hope for a better future. 

Links:

• https://www.facebook.com/share/1Le3ELLDJq/

After supporting small-scale income generation initiatives to help families earn a living and prevent the separation of children, we focus on meeting the best interests of the children. This includes ensuring that families have sufficient food and nutrition, clothing, shelter, and, most importantly, access to quality education for all three children. This education has been consistently maintained through the efforts of well-trained local authorities.

The family matriarch did not stop at just one dream; he sought further vocational training to enhance his skills. His efforts ensured that his work was of higher quality and earned recognition, as well as expanded his knowledge and abilities. The authorities noticed his determination and hard work, which led to his enrollment in a vocational program at the National Vocational Training Institute of Battambang (NVIB) in Wat Kor Village, Battambang City, Battambang Province. This program lasted for 10 months.

Currently, this family is in an improved situation, with better income that supports their household expenses. In addition to working as a mechanic repairing machinery, tractors, and motorbikes, the family has also created an additional source of income through raising goats, ducks, and frogs. This kind of livestock farming shows that the family knows how to make the most of their available resources and works diligently. These efforts clearly demonstrate the family’s genuine desire to progress and their commitment to improving their livelihood.

Furthermore, beyond earning income and raising livestock, the family consistently prioritizes and encourages their children’s education. Their children attend public school and also receive additional lessons outside of school, especially through home-based tutoring. These efforts genuinely promote a nurturing family environment where children grow up with warmth and good mental well-being. Moreover, this family serves as a positive role model within their community

The local authorities, neighbors, and the working group feel very proud of this family because they have actively cooperated and worked hard to build a better future for themselves, especially for their children. This has earned them praise and admiration from everyone involved, who truly celebrate the family’s achievements — particularly the progress of the children.

This case highlights that supporting families to prevent child-family separation can be both effective and low-cost when we walk alongside them through their challenges, empowering them to use their own resources and the strength of their community, rather than relying solely on external or NGO support.

• Before and After the Mechanic shop (PDF)
  
• Vocational Training (PDF)
  
• Income Generation of the family (PDF)
  
• Children grow up in family (PDF)