As a Cambodian citizen, I believe the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements must be more than a historical document. They represent international commitments to protect Cambodia’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity.
The responsibility of the signatories is clear. Under Article 2 of the Agreement on Cambodia’s sovereignty, the other parties pledged to respect Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, refrain from interference and refrain from the threat or use of force against Cambodia. Article 28 of the Comprehensive Political Settlement also requires signatories to fulfil their obligations in good faith.
Thailand, like the other signatories, must honour these commitments. Any allegation of a breach must be examined against the treaty, relevant border agreements, historical evidence and applicable international law — not political rhetoric or military power.
The responsibility does not end with neighbouring countries. Other signatories and the international community must take their commitments seriously, support peaceful dispute resolution and pursue appropriate diplomatic action when credible concerns arise. The agreements themselves provide for consultations and appropriate steps to address violations or threats of violations.
Signing an international agreement means accepting responsibility — not merely making a promise. No signatory should treat these commitments as optional, and no dispute should be resolved through force.
Thirty-five years later, my message is clear: Cambodia’s sovereignty must be respected, every signatory must honour its obligations, and accountability must be based on evidence and international law.
The world helped promise peace in Paris. It must now help ensure that promise is upheld.
Tesh Chanthorn is a Cambodian citizen who longs for peace. The views and opinions expressed are his own.