Republic of Korea provides critical recovery support to children and communities affected by the Cambodia–Thailand border crisis

Phnom Penh, 10 February 2026 – The Government of the Republic of Korea has announced a contribution of US$500,000 to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Cambodia to support children and families affected by the recent Cambodia–Thailand border conflict. This funding will enable UNICEF to implement a 12‑month integrated education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and child protection intervention to support the recovery of conflict-affected communities in Cambodia, enhance resilience, and invest in the future of younger generations.

Through this contribution, UNICEF will work with national and sub-national authorities to ensure that conflict-affected children can safely access education, recover lost learning, benefit from water, sanitation and hygiene services in schools and experience an enhanced protection environment in areas of displacement and in their communities. This funding reflects the shared commitment of the Republic of Korea and UNICEF to help affected communities regain a sense of normalcy and strengthen their resilience during the recovery period. 

“The Republic of Korea stands with the people of Cambodia during this difficult moment,” said His Excellency Kim Chang Yong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia. “We hope this contribution will support children’s safe return to school, access to clean water, and essential protection services, while helping communities recover and build resilience. Investing in the future of younger generations is a priority for the Republic of Korea, and we are proud partners with UNICEF to ensure timely and meaningful assistance for those who need it most.”

The contribution will support the rapid reopening of safe learning spaces through the establishment of temporary classrooms, the provision of digital learning tools, and remedial teaching support, enabling more than 24,000 children to return to learning after months of disruption. It will also rehabilitate WASH facilities in damaged schools and provide essential hygiene supplies, helping at least 20,000 students and teachers learn in healthier and safer conditions. In parallel, the funding will strengthen community-based child protection services by training 100 frontline workers, improving child-friendly spaces, and promoting Child Protection in Emergencies standards, ensuring that children affected by the crisis can access timely protection and care.

“This generous support from the Republic of Korea comes at a critical time for children and families who have faced significant challenges,” said Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Cambodia Representative. “By investing in education, WASH, and child protection, this intervention will help children regain stability, return to learning safely, and access the services they need to recover and thrive. We are deeply grateful for the people and the Government of the Republic of Korea’s continued partnership and support.”

The Government of the Republic of Korea and UNICEF expressed their hope that this support will advance the recovery and resilience of conflict-affected communities so that every child in Cambodia can learn, feel safe, and reach their full potential.

Download photos of the signing ceremony here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vFjQjasRakU73YiQ_xuelmblrv7vcv32?usp=sharing (photo credit: © UNICEF Cambodia/2026/Seavhong Liv)