Cambodia urges peaceful dispute resolution at UN Security Council

Cambodia urges peaceful dispute resolution at UN Security Council

NEW YORK, Jan 26, 2026 — Cambodia told the United Nations Security Council on Monday that any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of a state constitutes a violation of international law, reaffirming its support for peaceful dispute resolution and the international rule of law.

Speaking at a high-level open debate at United Nations headquarters, Keo Chhea, Cambodia’s ambassador and permanent representative to the UN, cited Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the sovereignty of member states.

Keo Chhea said disputes between states must be resolved peacefully and stressed that recourse to the International Court of Justice remains a reliable legal mechanism capable of delivering durable peace.

He also underscored the importance of respecting international humanitarian law as a core pillar of the international legal order, warning that attacks on civilians, destruction and looting of civilian property, obstruction of civilian returns, illegal occupation of territory and damage to cultural heritage constitute serious violations.

The Cambodian delegation participated in the UN Security Council’s high-level debate on “Reaffirming the International Rule of Law: Pathways to Reinvigorating Peace, Justice, and Multilateralism.”