[RfP Int’l] Statement from the Secretary General

Statement from the Secretary General

20 August 2025

It is with deep sorrow and grave concern that we bear witness to the unfolding tensions and suffering affecting our beloved communities in Thailand and Cambodia. The pain endured by our brothers and sisters in this region weighs heavily on our hearts. 

At Religions for Peace, we extend our deepest prayers to all victims of violence, to those displaced from their homes, and to every soul yearning for safety, dignity, and peace. 

In this critical hour—when our global family faces unprecedented upheaval—we are summoned to rise above division and walk together in solidarity. The historical wounds that perpetuate cycles of harm are complex and deeply rooted, calling us to meet one another with honesty, humility, and compassion. 

The sacred sites and shared spaces that span Thailand and Cambodia are more than geographic markers. They are living testaments to our intertwined histories and spiritual kinship. These places must not be misappropriated to fuel discord but rather uplifted as enduring symbols of unity and reverence. 

As people of faith, we are entrusted with the moral imperative to transcend borders and ideologies that divide. By coming together—across religions, cultures, and nations—we affirm our shared humanity and commit to building bridges of understanding, cooperation, and lasting peace. 

Religions for Peace, as the world’s largest multi-religious coalition, has witnessed the transformative power of interfaith solidarity. Time and again, we have seen how love, compassion, and collective action can heal even the deepest fractures, forging a path toward flourishing for all. 

 

For this reason, we call upon all parties to: 

• Immediately cease any actions that may escalate tensions or cause harm to innocent people, reinforcing the ceasefire agreement of 28 July
• Honestly commit to a permanent ceasefire that may lay the foundation for a just and enduring peace accord 
• Engage in meaningful dialogue through diplomatic and religious channels to address underlying concerns 
• Honour the shared cultural and spiritual heritage that binds these neighbouring nations 
• Work collaboratively toward solutions that uphold the dignity and rights of all people 

Let our sacred commitments serve as a beacon of reconciliation. May our collective efforts become a transformative force for lasting unity, prosperity, and peace. 

 

In faith and solidarity,  

Dr. Francis Kuria

Secretary General

 

Religions for Peace is the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition, dedicated to advancing common action among religious communities for peace. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in New York City, Religions for Peace works globally through a network of over 90 national and regional Interreligious Councils (IRCs), as well as networks of religious women and youth acting at local, regional, and national level. 

 

For more information contact: press@rfp.org 
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