Following the ceasefire agreement reached on July 28, 2025, between Cambodia​ and Thailand during the General Border Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Oxfam welcomes the diplomatic breakthrough and reiterates its commitment to supporting displaced communities affected by the recent border conflict.

While the cessation of hostilities marks a critical step toward peace, the humanitarian needs of over 170,000 internally displaced individuals remain urgent. Oxfam continues to respond to these needs, particularly in evacuation centers across Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear provinces, where families are still grappling with the aftermath of displacement.

From July 30 to August 2, Oxfam conducted a Rapid Needs Assessment in coordination with local partners Village Support Group (VSG) and Action for Development (AFD). The Rapid Needs Assessment conducted by Oxfam and its partners revealed a range of critical humanitarian challenges faced by displaced communities. Many evacuation centers are struggling with severe gaps in basic services, including access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, conditions that pose serious health risks. Immediate basic food supplies have been provided by the public and private mechanisms. Healthcare systems in the affected areas are overstretched, with urgent needs for essential medicines, maternal care, and treatment for chronic conditions. 

Displaced area in Bat Khao, Banteay Meanchey

The displaced community in the Bat Thkao area, Oddar Meanchey province, relies on this water for daily consumption, including drinking, cooking, and bathing. Photo: Soknea Oun/Oxfam

A displaced woman feeds her piglets from a cart within the temporary settlement area, exemplifying resilience and resourcefulness in maintaining her livelihood under challenging conditions.

A displaced woman feeds her piglets from a cart within the temporary settlement area, exemplifying resilience and resourcefulness in maintaining her livelihood under challenging conditions. Photo: Soknea Oun/Oxfam

In addition to physical needs, the assessment highlighted significant psychosocial distress, especially among children and elderly individuals, many of whom are grappling with trauma and uncertainty stemming from their displacement. Furthermore, people with disabilities face heightened barriers to accessing services and require tailored, inclusive support to ensure their safety and dignity are upheld.

In response, Oxfam with generous financial support from the Government of Ireland, and Oxfam’s own emergency funds has installed mobile toilets to improve sanitation in evacuation centers and water filtration systems at Phnom Thmar Kambor pagoda and Bat Thkao pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province, that collectively serve 7,431 households, a total of 25,281 displaced individuals in the evacuation centers. 

“The ceasefire brings hope. We call on both Thailand and Cambodia to honor the agreements and prioritize the needs of internally displaced people. Oxfam stands ready to work with local partners, and government to deliver life-saving assistance and ensure that recovery is inclusive, just and lasting.”

Ms. Sophoan Phean
National Director of Oxfam in Cambodia

As displaced families prepare to return home following the ceasefire, Oxfam and partners are exploring a targeted cash transfer program that will prioritize those with equity-based identification such as ID Poor cards, disability cards, and elderly identification.

Oxfam urges national and international communities to continue supporting humanitarian efforts and to ensure that peace is accompanied by protection, dignity, and resilience for all affected populations.