Chouk Chey and Prey Chan villagers continue to stay at Chan Si pagoda as their homes have been destroyed or occupied by Thai soldiers. - PPP
PHNOM PENH: The displacement crisis triggered by last year’s border clashes with Thailand is entering a prolonged and uncertain phase, with more than 140,000 people still unable to return home safely, according to the latest humanitarian situation report.
Data released by the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) show that as of Jan 15, about 141,850 people remain displaced. They are living at 102 displacement sites and host communities nationwide.
While this marks a significant reduction from the nearly 649,000 people displaced at the height of the crisis on Dec 27, humanitarian actors warn that the pace and sustainability of returns remain uneven.
“While returns are progressing, movements remain uneven and, in some locations, households have reported needing to temporarily relocate back to sites due to housing damage, service disruptions and safety constraints affecting areas of origin, including concerns linked to explosive hazards,” according to the latest report by the Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF) in collaboration with humanitarian partners, covering the period from Jan 10 – 16, 2026.
A substantial number of households are expected to remain displaced for an extended period.
The Cambodia Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF), working with government authorities, said the situation now requires two parallel responses — one focused on supporting returnees and early recovery, and another on sustaining assistance for families who cannot yet leave camps.
On Jan 15, HRF sector leads met with the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) to review displacement figures and refine a response plan based on more accurate estimates of returnees versus those likely to remain in camps long term.
Authorities outlined plans to assist families who have already returned, particularly those whose homes and livelihoods were severely affected.
Despite progress, humanitarian needs across displacement sites remain acute.
Shelter shortages persist, with many families still relying on communal or temporary structures that lack privacy and adequate protection from the elements.
“Water, sanitation and hygiene services remain under pressure, prompting continued installation of emergency latrines and distribution of hygiene supplies, though gaps remain in gender-sensitive and accessible facilities,” according to the report.
Food insecurity and malnutrition risks are also ongoing, particularly among young children.
Humanitarian partners screened more than 1,400 children under the age of five in recent weeks, identifying cases of moderate and severe acute malnutrition requiring treatment and supplementary feeding.
“Continued reliance on assistance, with elevated risk of malnutrition among young children; partners screened 1,452 children under five and registered SAM cases for treatment, while identifying children and pregnant and lactating women for supplementary feeding and micronutrient support,” it said.
Health services across camps are described as uneven, with some sites lacking functional primary care.
While vaccination campaigns have reached tens of thousands of children, demand for mental health and psychosocial support has increased, especially among children showing signs of trauma linked to displacement and violence.
Children are bearing a disproportionate share of the crisis. As of mid-January, 69 schools remain closed across several border provinces, disrupting learning for 12,601 students and affecting nearly 500 teachers.
Temporary learning spaces have been established in some camps, but access remains limited, attendance irregular, and the need for learning materials and psychosocial support high.
Protection concerns also persist in crowded displacement settings, including risks of gender-based violence, child protection violations and family separation.
Humanitarian agencies continue to work with government partners to maintain referral systems and complaints mechanisms, while relaxed social protection measures have enabled more than 78,000 IDPoor households to receive cash assistance during the first half of January.
Since fighting erupted in July last year, humanitarian partners estimate that more than 239,000 people across nine provinces have received some form of assistance, with the largest reach in water and sanitation, food security and shelter.
As the crisis shifts from mass displacement to a complex mix of camp-based needs and early recovery, aid agencies say humanitarian priorities are likely to remain focused on maintaining minimum living conditions and protection safeguards, while scaling up support in areas of return where safety and service restoration continue to lag.
With tens of thousands still unable to go home, humanitarian officials caution that the displacement crisis is far from over — and that sustained support will be required well beyond the emergency phase. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
