Japan’s Emergency Support Enables UNICEF and IOM to Deliver Urgent Recovery Assistance for Children and Families in Cambodia Following Border Crisis

PREAH VIHEAR PROVINCE, 15 September 2025 – The Government of Japan has contributed US$1.8 million to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support their emergency response and recovery efforts in the border area between Cambodia and Thailand, delivering life-saving assistance for children and families affected by the border crisis.

In Cambodia, thousands of children continue to endure unsafe water, poor sanitation, and untreated trauma. Many families are returning to damaged homes with limited access to schools, healthcare, and protection services. Without urgent support, these hardships will further undermine children’s growth and well-being.

“The Government of Japan made the decision to provide an Emergency Grant through UNICEF and IOM to deliver essential supplies, temporary shelter, clean water, and psychological support,” said Mr. NAGASE Kensuke, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia. “I sincerely hope that the supplies and facilities will bring meaningful support to the people in the border areas, and that it will help people to reestablish peace and stability in their lives as soon as possible."

Since the onset of the crisis, thousands of families and children have been displaced, and hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrants have returned from Thailand. These migrants also face loss of income and  challenges in rebuilding their livelihoods while their families and children have limited access to essential services, including schooling, healthcare, and mental health support.

“With the generous support of the Government and People of Japan, IOM and UNICEF will deliver urgent assistance to displaced families and returning migrants affected by the crisis in Cambodia,” said Ms. Nellie Ghusayni, IOM Cambodia Chief of Mission. “Shelter materials, non-food items (NFIs), and hygiene supplies will help families meet their immediate needs in displacement sites and affected communities, and support their recovery.”

In the coming weeks, UNICEF and IOM Cambodia will deliver more than 70 tonnes of emergency supplies, including shelter, NFIs and hygiene kits, clean water, and early learning materials, to children and families sheltering in overcrowded pagodas and other temporary sites.

“We are deeply grateful to the Government and people of Japan for this timely support. For children, the crisis is not yet over. Their access to clean water, safe learning spaces, and mental health care remains fragile. With Japan’s contribution, UNICEF and IOM can deliver urgent and essential services that protect children now and support families as they recover," said UNICEF Cambodia Deputy Representative, Dr. Anirban Chatterjee.

With this new six-month partnership, UNICEF and IOM will expand recovery efforts in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Siem Reap provinces, reaching more than 77,000 people, including over 50,000 children. Planned interventions include:

• Distribution of 3,000 emergency kits with shelter materials and essential supplies, along with 9,000 water, sanitation and hygiene kits (WASH) kits to internally displaced people (IDPs), returned IDPs, and vulnerable families.
• Installation  and improvement of toilets and water supply systems in selected IDP sites to ensure access to safe sanitation and clean water.
• Provision of  1,500 self-learning materials to create safe spaces for children’s protection and development through play and learning activities.
• Delivery  of water and hygiene supplies to schools in the three most affected districts in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, benefiting at least 38,000 school children.
• Engagement of monks and social workers to provide trauma-informed care and emotional support for children and families affected by repeated displacement.
• Deliver case management services by trained social workers for children affected by violence, protection risks, and severe  psychosocial distress and trauma.
• Deliver awareness sessions for parents and caregivers on child protection risks, including preventing violence and sexual abuse, promoting safeguarding practices.

• Raise awareness sessions on health and hygiene to prevent waterborne diseases, alongside dissemination of health and safety messages at IDP sites.

   

For more information, please contact: 

Hadrien Bonnaud 
Chief of Communication, UNICEF Cambodia, Tel: +855 23​​​ 260 204,
Email: [email protected]

Ty Chan
Communication Specialist, UNICEF Cambodia, Tel: +855 23 260 204,
E-mail: [email protected]

Rachana Chetha
Senior Program Associate, IOM Cambodia, Tel: +855 23 216 532,
E-mail: [email protected].