Critics blast plan to cut school aid

Cambodian students 'not party to conflict'

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

A proposal by a Senate education committee to reduce government funding for undocumented Cambodians studying in Thailand has drawn criticism from a fellow senator and human rights advocate, who warns that such a move may violate international humanitarian laws and children’s rights.

Senator Kamol Rodklai, chairman of the Senate committee on Education, Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, on Wednesday called on the government to reconsider the current level of educational assistance extended to Cambodian students, citing rising financial burdens and strained cross-border relations.

Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, a human rights advocate and former national human rights commissioner, meanwhile, criticised the proposal on her personal Facebook page yesterday, arguing that children are entitled to protection in geopolitical disputes.