Friday, April 29, 2011

Civilians caught up in border clashes

28 Apr 2011 13:04
Source: Plan UK

TERRIFIED families are fleeing fresh fighting in a jungle border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, reports children’s charity Plan International.

More than 28,000 villagers are on the move in Cambodia with 14 killed on both sides, including the soldier father of a Plan sponsored child.

The charity is planning to provide water and sanitation, child protection and education at a camp for those seeking shelter. “Exchanges of shelling between the troops of the neighbours started in Uddor Meanchey province and lately expanded to Preah Vihear,” says Plan’s country director in Cambodia, Supriyanto. “Given the severity of the situation suffered by civilians, especially children, we’ve decided to respond.”

Plan’s work will be in close cooperation with the Cambodian government, fellow NGOs and the UN.

The long-running territorial dispute between the two countries flared up in February when deadly clashes followed the shelling of an ancient temple.

“The number of displaced people is increasing and they are in need of safety, food, shelter, water and sanitation,” says Supriyanto.

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