AKP Phnom Penh, January 27, 2026 -- H.E. Keo Chhea, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations (UN), stated that the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of any State is a violation of international law.

H.E. Permanent Representative made the remarks while he and the Mission's officials, participated in the UN Security Council’s December High-Level Open Debate on “Reaffirming the International Rule of Law: Pathways to Reinvigorating Peace, Justice, and Multilateralism,” held at UN Headquarters in New York on Jan. 26.

In his statement, H.E. Keo Chhea emphasised three key issues: (1) The prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of any State, in accordance with Article 2.4 of the UN Charter, which is a violation of international law; (2) The peaceful resolution of disputes is a legal obligation that Member States must implement, in particular the resolution of disputes through the International Court of Justice, which is a reliable mechanism and ensures lasting peace for Member States; (3)  Respect for international humanitarian law is an essential and inalienable element of the international rule of law. 

Acts of aggression against innocent civilians, destruction and pillage of civilian property, prevention of civilians return, illegal occupation of territory, and damage to cultural heritage are serious violations of international humanitarian law, added H.E. Permanent Representative.

By C. Nika