AKP Phnom Penh, July 30, 2026 --

The 48th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC), held from July 26-29, 2026, in Busan, South Korea, unanimously adopted a decision condemning the destruction of World Heritage sites during armed conflicts, in accordance with the 1954 Hague Convention, the 1970 Paris Convention, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The session brought together 162 member countries, international organisations, partners, and observers. Cambodia was represented by H.E. Suos Yara, head of the ICAPP-ACC delegation of the Cambodian People's Party, following an invitation from UNESCO.

Speaking on behalf of the Cambodian delegation, H.E. Suos Yara highlighted the destruction of World Heritage sites in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasising the need for accountability and condemnation in line with international law.

He also stressed the importance of connecting civilisations through "ancient sister city" networks to promote peace and conflict reconciliation, and encouraged the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in protecting and conserving cultural heritage.

The session called on all parties in ongoing conflicts to ensure the protection of heritage sites and to refrain from using heritage areas for military purposes.

In a notable exchange, the Thai delegation requested an immediate right of reply and was granted only one minute to speak. However, the Thai representative did not directly address the violations and destruction of heritage sites caused by Thai military forces in the past, instead defending Thailand's position by stating that the country focuses on protecting buffer zones around the entire core heritage area – not just the temple structure itself – while insisting that Thailand remains committed to participating in World Heritage protection and continuing regional cooperation.

By C. Nika