Unesco urges Cambodia not to forcibly evict residents of Angkor Wat temple complex

Buddhist monks visiting the Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on Nov 15, 2023. — AP

PARIS (AP): Unesco is urging Cambodian authorities not to carry out forced evictions at the renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, after Amnesty International detailed the impact on evicted residents and accused the UN cultural agency of failing to challenge the Cambodian government over the issue.

Unesco has now ordered Cambodia to submit a new report on the state of conservation of Angkor Wat by Feb 1, and says that it should include a response to Amnesty’s findings. Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay said Wednesday (Nov 15) that living conditions for residents at the World Heritage site are a ‘’priority.''