Australia and Oxfam Deliver Urgent Humanitarian Support to Displaced Communities in Oddar Meanchey Province

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Oddar Meanchey, January 15, 2025_The Australian Government, in partnership with Oxfam, is extending vital humanitarian assistance to displaced communities in Oddar Meanchey Province and four other provinces affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border clashes. This initiative is aimed at alleviating hardship among families affected by displacement due to the conflict.

On 15 January, 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.

The distribution at Chong Kal Thmey camp reached 1,519 families and was attended by the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, Oxfam in Cambodia’s National Director, the Oddar Meanchey Provincial Governor, and local partners. Their presence highlighted​ the strong collaboration between the Australian Government, Oxfam, and local authorities in responding to humanitarian emergencies and supporting vulnerable communities.

H.E. Chanyada Mean, Oddar Meanchey Provincial Governor said, “We are grateful for the support from Australia and Oxfam. This assistance will bring immediate relief to families in our province and shows the importance of international cooperation in humanitarian response. I would like to request, through the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador today, to help push for the ceasefire to come into force permanently.”

H.E. Derek Yip, Ambassador of Australian to the Kingdom of Cambodia said, “Australia has been a steadfast and trusted partner for Cambodia for decades. 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.”

Ms. Sophoan Phean, Oxfam in Cambodia’s National Director, said, “With the support of the Australian Government, we are able to provide lifesaving assistance while also working with communities and partners to build longerterm solutions. Humanitarian support is not only about meeting urgent needs today, but also about laying the foundation for recovery and a more just future. 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. The hardship faced by displaced families remains immense, we need collective efforts to ensure that vulnerable communities receive sustained support and the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity."

The financial distribution in Oddar Meanchey on 15 January is part of Australia’s humanitarian support package of US$250,000 to assist Cambodians displaced by the conflict through Oxfam in Cambodia. With this funding, Oxfam will provide access to clean water and sanitation, food and emergency shelter.  

This effort reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian assistance in Cambodia and highlights Oxfam’s role in coordinating relief efforts with local partners. It also emphasizes the broader cooperation between Australia and Cambodia in promoting resilience, recovery, and longterm development for vulnerable communities.