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Report Reveals Border Conflict Triggers Widespread Psychological Trauma Among Displaced People
Phnom Penh – August 12, 2025: Nearly two-thirds, or approximately 66%, of displaced families in Cambodia are experiencing severe psychological distress following the conflict along the Cambodian-Thai border. Evacuation, witnessing bombing and/or shooting and the loss of relatives are reported as the most triggering events for those affected.
World Vision International in Cambodia conducted a Psychological Safety Assessment across 43 safety centres in Preah Vihear (7 safety centres), Banteay Meanchey (15 safety centres), and Siem Reap (21 safety centres) to be er understand the psychological impacts on the affected populations to guide appropriate interventions. Standard ques onnaires were used during individual interviews with 274 randomly selected people, including 158 females and 65 children.
The recent assessment revealed that while over half (56%) of adults felt warm and safe in safety centres, many remained emotionally attached to their homes and worried about family members and financial insecurity. Children expressed mixed emotional responses—42% felt happy and safe, yet 58% experienced fear from exposure to gunfire, bombings, and displacement events.
Emotional distress was widespread, with many interviewees reporting severe symptoms such as fear, anger, sleep disruption, lack of appetite, feelings of anxiousness and difficulty concentrating. Only 35% of respondents knew where they could go for help and this was mainly to their rela ves. Children iden fied educa on and play materials as their biggest needs, while adults priori zed rice, cooking ingredients, tents, and other essen al items such as soap, ma resses, and access to permanent medical staff.
In order to address the psychological impact of conflict and/or displacement and support families as they return home, World Vision urges actors to come together to implement prompt ac ons, including:- (1) secure immediate access to trained counsellors for affected popula ons- both in person and via a free hotline service; (2) facilitate awareness raising sessions with affected popula ons on where and how to access psychological support; (3) capacitate safety center volunteers and/or Commune Commi ee for Women and Children (CCWC) focal points to triage psychological distress and refer to available services for support; (4) coordinate and facilitate peer support groups; and (5) facilitate child-focused ac vi es and sessions to help address fear and trauma.
“Our immediate response to support the needs of children during this cri cal me is to welcome them to the child friendly spaces at the safety centers. We hope that par cipa ng in the learning and playing programmes in a safe and suppor ve environment will provide them a sense of comfort and peace,” Janes Imanuel Gin ng, Na onal Director of World Vision Interna onal in Cambodia.
In the long term, World Vision will work closely with local partners to deliver quality mental health support and monitor the evolving needs of affected families throughout the crisis and recovery phases.
“Trauma can have long las ng effects on mental and physical health. It is therefore impera ve that ongoing psychological support is provided to the affected people, especially children, whether they remain in the the safety centers for an extended period of me or return to their home villages, ” Janes emphasises.
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Note to Editors: World Vision International is a Christian humanitarian organization of development, dedicated to working with children, their families and their communities to reduce poverty and injustice. World Vision is dedicated to working with the world´s most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. In times of crisis, we remain non-political and neutral, with our sole aim being to protect and support vulnerable children and families affected by conflict – regardless of their background and ethnicity.