World Children’s Day in Preah Vihear Province Calls for Peace and Protection for Every Child

PREAH VIHEAR, 21 November 2025 – UNICEF is marking World Children’s Day 2025 with a three-day Bonn Phum on the Move festival in Preah Vihear province. Organised together with Preah Vihear provincial authorities and youth network Plerng Kob under the theme “Together for Peace. Together for Children’s Rights,” the event aims to bring support, learning opportunities, and healing to communities affected by recent crises along the Cambodian border. 

World Children’s Day is a global day of action for children, by children and marks the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Cambodia ratified in 1992. This year, UNICEF is bringing educational games and activities that teach children and youth about child rights, a six-kilometre “Run for Peace. Run For Children.” around the iconic Koh Ker temple and leadership opportunities for over 100 young people who will facilitate the event. 

“Every child deserves protection. Every child deserves peace,” said Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Cambodia Representative. “This year, children and families in Preah Vihear province have faced unprecedented disruption and hardship, which continue to take a toll on their mental well-being and livelihoods. We hope this event will bring opportunities, hope, and a sense of normalcy to affected communities.” 

“World Children’s Day is also a moment to reaffirm our commitment to child rights. Now, more than ever, we must come together to protect children and their rights, under all circumstances,” he added. 

Children in Preah Vihear province have faced multiple and unprecedented threats to their rights. In July 2025, more than 170,000 people across four Cambodian provinces, including Preah Vihear, were displaced from their homes following the outbreak of violence along the Cambodian border with Thailand. Essential services were severely interrupted, including access to health care, continued learning, hygiene and sanitation, and safe shelter.  

Children in Preah Vihear are also some of the most vulnerable across the country. More than one in four children (26 per cent) under five in Preah Vihear are stunted, higher than the national average1. The province has the third highest child mortality rate in Cambodia2. An estimated 84 per cent of children aged 1 to 14 experience violent discipline at home3. Over 70,000 children face high or very high risk from climate shocks and disasters4. 

To promote peace and children’s rights, the event will kick off on 21 November with a free six-kilometre “Run for Peace. Run for Children.” around Koh Ker archeological site, a historic temple complex and member of the UNESCO World Heritage List. This will be followed by an official launch gathering provincial authorities, development partners, children, and young people.  

Between 22–23 November, a UNICEF Village (“Phum UNICEF”) will be organised at the Chea Sim Tbeng Meanchey General and Technical High School, where children and parents will participate in games and activities that educate and bring awareness to child rights, with topics covering climate change, healthy nutrition, mental health, child marriage prevention, early childhood education, road safety, and more. Young people will be given the opportunity to raise their voices and lead activities, workshops, and sharing sessions.