AKP Phnom Penh, April 19, 2026 --

H.E. Ouch Borith, First-Vice President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Head of the Parliamentary Delegation, issued a powerful call for the global community to translate abstract ideals into the concrete actions necessary to safeguard international order, at a global gathering of legislators during the General Debate at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Istanbul, Türkiye on April 17.

According to a Senate’s press release, centred on the theme of "Nurturing Hope and Securing Justice for Future Generations," H.E. Ouch Borith's remarks framed the topic not merely as an aspiration, but as a moral imperative in an increasingly fractured world. Drawing from Cambodia's historical journey from conflict to national rebirth, he emphasised that durable peace is not a theoretical concept-it is a hard-earned achievement that requires an unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the impartial rule of law. He noted that "hope" remains an illusion unless it is anchored by responsibility and a steadfast commitment to historical accuracy.

He cautioned the assembly against the dangers of historical revisionism, noting that "truth cannot prevail when history is deliberately distorted into falsehoods to advance narrow political interests". Such distortions, he noted, risk sowing the seeds of mistrust, hatred, and conflict among nations that are destined to live side by side.

A central pillar of the address focused on the impartial application of justice. The Head of Delegation argued that the foundations of global stability are eroded when the rule of law is "invoked selectively or set aside for convenience," whether within domestic borders or in the conduct of international relations. He advocated for the consistent application of international law as an "impartial arbiter that safeguards the rights and dignity of all nations, regardless of size". This commitment to consistency, he noted, must extend to the rigid implementation of bilateral and international agreements, specifically regarding treaties and boundary arrangements.

The Head of Delegation further addressed the fragility of peace processes, highlighting that ceasefires must be treated as "meaningful pledges of peace rather than mere tactical pauses". He expressed concern regarding actions on the ground that diverge from dialogue-based understandings, which "inevitably diminish confidence". He urged for "utmost caution and restraint" in sensitive areas following such arrangements to avoid prejudicing the path toward mutually acceptable settlements.

Beyond legal and diplomatic frameworks, the speech touched upon the profound. human and cultural costs of discord. H.E. Ouch Borith reminded delegates that conflict is most acutely felt by communities whose lives are upended and homes damaged, creating harsh realities that actively undermine the prospects for reconciliation. He further underscored that the destruction of cultural heritage constitutes a grave affront to our shared responsibility to safeguard the legacy of humanity - treasures of universal value that transcend national borders.

Concluding his remarks, the Head of Delegation issued a call to action for the international community to summon the "collective wisdom and courage" necessary to address the root causes of discord. He asserted that the mandate for modern parliaments is to ensure that the promise of peace becomes a "lived reality" for future generations. By honoring commitments and upholding binding principles, the global community can finally fulfill its duty to those who will inherit the world, moving the vision of justice from a distant aspiration to a tangible legacy.

AKP