Caritas Cambodia Delivers Rice and Relief to Over 1,100 Displaced Families

On December 16, Caritas Cambodia distributed 27 tons of rice to 1,105 displaced families currently staying at safety centers in Bavel District, Battambang Province, in southwestern Cambodia, about 350 kilometers from the capital, Phnom Penh. The relief operation was carried out in cooperation with local authorities in Battambang.

Addressing the displaced families, Msgr. Enrique Figaredo, Chairman of Caritas Cambodia and Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, encouraged them not to lose hope. “Please do not feel alone or lose hope. The Government, Caritas Cambodia, and our partner organizations will stand with you at all times,” he said.

Caritas Cambodia, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church in the country, has long played a significant role in assisting displaced communities, including those affected by past conflicts along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

Kim Ratana, Executive Director of Caritas Cambodia, said the organization is working closely with the Government to develop and implement emergency responses for those affected by the ongoing conflict. He emphasized that Caritas Cambodia stands alongside the Government, which continues to pay close attention to the basic needs of displaced people, particularly temporary shelter, food, access to clean drinking water, and, above all, safety at the displacement centers.

The Executive Director also called for a ceasefire and peace, appealing to “the international community to intervene and ensure justice for Cambodia.”

At the displacement sites, Caritas Cambodia plans to install clean water filtration tanks and set up temporary classroom tents and mobile libraries to enable children and adults to continue their education. In addition, the organization is collaborating with the Ministry of Health to provide mental health services for both children and adults, supporting their psychological well-being amid the trauma of war.

Yim Sieb, Deputy Governor of Battambang Province, expressed his gratitude to Caritas Cambodia for its assistance to displaced families. “This is a very difficult time, and it is necessary to help them. Fleeing from shelling is extremely challenging, and many are now also facing food shortages,” he said. He added that Caritas Cambodia’s efforts made him feel “deeply moved and very pleased.”

According to data from Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, renewed conflict along the border since December 7 has had severe consequences, including the deaths of more than 10 civilians and injuries to many others. Nearly half a million displaced people are currently in need of adequate shelter and food.