Life on hold: The daily struggle for survival
On 2 March 2026, led by Fr. Manoj Kumar Ekka, SJ and Caroline Seow, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Singapore, in partnership with and through the support of its affiliate Jesuit Service Cambodia, visited one of the largest camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Cambodia — the Wat Kandal in Thma Puok District, a pagoda and designated safety centre in Banteay Meanchey province, serving as a temporary shelter for thousands of civilians and displaced families. As of early 2026, it is actively hosting people due to ongoing border tensions. I joined the activity as part of JRS Singapore’s humanitarian mission to distribute food aid to the IDPs.
The 163 km drive was slightly under 3-hours from Seam Reap but a first timer visiting can be quite discouraged to continue the journey due to the dusty and remote roads that lead to the Wat Kandal IDP camp. What is sure though, is the large community of people who have had to begin their lives in this foreign environment, albeit in their own country.
As of early 2026, the number of IDPs worldwide has surpassed 83.4 million, marking a record high, with the vast majority (over 90%) driven by conflict and violence. This figure represents individuals forced to flee their homes but who remain within their own country.
In Cambodia alone, over 140,000 people remain internally displaced, largely due to ongoing border conflicts with Thailand. While many have returned home, tens of thousands remain in temporary shelters, particularly in Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces. The situation is fragile, with ongoing needs for food, shelter, and safety.
The Wat Kandal pagoda in Thma Puok District has been identified as a site hosting IDPs fleeing border conflicts since early 2026. The camp houses residents fleeing violence, with reports indicating that some individuals were forced into temporary shelters after their homes were destroyed. The displacement is linked to ongoing security issues near the border, with the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense monitoring the situation following a ceasefire agreement.
As we drove through the gates of the camp, what struck me was the smell of stale rice and the hustle and bustle of a flea market which felt surreal in the temporary shelter. This was a stark contrast to the anxiousness I felt crossing into the border zone. The visit shattered my preconceived notions of helplessness, as it showed me a profound resilience in the face of sudden, violent displacement. Going around the camp, I saw overcrowded tents, makeshift wooden homes, and the lack of basic services. I could feel the pressing desire from among these people to find work and to become productive, but being placed in isolation and away from basic necessities, the opportunity is simply absent.
As I reflect on my own life, my worldview shifts when I realize these are people just like myself, but whose lives were interrupted by geopolitical issues. That said, I did witness the resilience and humanity in them as they chatted cheerfully to cope while children were happily playing as they tried to maintain normalcy. The community, even in a temporary camp, provided hope, even as they have to rely on humanitarian aid.
As we were preparing to leave amid the intense heat in the air, I watched families making do with what little they had at the pagoda. While the conflict was about border lines, the reality was entirely about human lives. I left more grateful, more aware of international humanitarian issues, and the need for peace and strength in the human spirit. Sadly, for thousands of IDPs living in camps across the country, “getting stuck for quite a while now”, is their daily reality.
By Collin Yap, JRS Volunteer