Thousands more return home as displacement crisis eases

An additional 4,945 displaced people returned to their homes yesterday, marking a significant milestone in a mass reintegration effort that has now seen more than eight out of ten displaced citizens leave temporary camps.

According to a news release from the Ministry of Interior, around 550,000 people have now successfully reintegrated into their communities. This figure represents 84 per cent of the more than 640,000 people originally forced to flee during the displacement crisis. While the progress is substantial, the Ministry noted that 104,099 people remain in safe camps, and authorities have pledged to continue providing coordinated assistance and support for their eventual return.

Government spokesman Pen Bona told a press briefing yesterday that the administration is prioritising humanitarian aid while also safeguarding national sovereignty through diplomatic channels. He explained that the recovery strategy relies on three main pillars: clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance to ensure safe passage, strengthening or relocating temporary shelters for those unable to return immediately, and the swift restoration of damaged public infrastructure using national funds and international support.

The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction is now working alongside the National Committee for Disaster Management and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to address the needs of those still in camps. This inter-ministerial effort focuses on assessing land and providing temporary housing across the most affected provinces, including Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear. AKP