Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, during a previous event. STPM
As this weekend’s September 21 "International Day of Peace" approaches, Prime Minister Hun Manet urged citizens to join efforts in combating fake news and social disorder that undermines “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”, the central theme of this year's celebrations.
Manet released a four-page statement ahead of the occasion.
“I sincerely appeal to all Cambodian citizens to join the government in resolutely opposing any attempts to create social disorder through the fabrication of false information, lies and deceit, as well as the incitement of their fellow citizens to engage in activities that threaten security, disrupt peace and destabilise society,” he said.
“This could severely impact the cultivation of a culture of peace and the sustainable development of our national society,” he added.
Without naming any specific individuals or groups, he warned that, "Unlike the government, some extremist opposition groups fabricate baseless false information, inciting our fellow citizens to engage in activities that threaten security, disrupt peace, and harm the culture of peace and national security.”
The International Day of Peace was established by the UN in 1981 to highlight the power of global solidarity in creating peace and sustainability. In 2001, the UN General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as one of non-violence and ceasefire.
Manet also reflected on Cambodia's long journey toward peace, beginning with the efforts of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk to achieve independence from France, which culminated in the victory of November 9, 1953, as well as the resolution of the country's internal conflicts during the war era, which resulted in full peace in 1998 through the use of the win-win strategy.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to global peacekeeping efforts through the provision of peacekeeping forces to serve with the UN. Since 2006, Cambodia has deployed 9,819 troops, including 856 women, to 10 different nations.
Currently, 627 Cambodian peacekeepers are serving with UN missions in Sudan, South Sudan, Lebanon, the Central African Republic, Yemen and the Congo.
“This is a huge source of pride for Cambodia on the international stage,” said Manet.
He also emphasised Cambodia’s efforts in economic development, which he described as a key factor in safeguarding peace. This includes projects like the under-construction Funan Tech Canal, poverty eradication, public healthcare measures and the government’s effective resolutions to requests from citizens.
“Peace is easy to lose but hard to regain, and even when it is restored, it requires time and many sacrifices. Therefore, the seventh-mandate government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and upholding it as the highest value, without compromise, regardless of the cost,” he said.
