Lowell – Elected leaders from the City of Lowell, home to the second-largest Cambodian American population in the United States, sent a formal letter to Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Edward J. Markey, and Representative Lori Trahan, urging immediate federal action in response to the escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
In the letter published in its entirety below, Lowell’s state legislators, mayor, city councilors, and councilors-elect expressed grave and urgent concern over recent military aggression and rising instability affecting Cambodia.
Community leaders underscored that the conflict has a direct and immediate impact on thousands of Cambodian American families in Lowell who maintain close ties to loved ones and cultural heritage in the region.
The letter requests Congress take swift and decisive action, including publicly condemning acts of aggression, supporting diplomatic and international efforts to prevent further escalation, protecting civilians, and upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cambodia under international law.
Lowell leaders also pressed the Massachusetts delegation to immediately urge the President of the United States to speak out against the violence and to support an immediate, peaceful resolution that prioritizes long-term regional stability and civilian safety.
City officials stressed that strong leadership from Congress will reaffirm America’s commitment to peace and human rights abroad, while also reassuring Cambodian American families in Lowell who closely follow developments and fear for the safety of relatives overseas.
The letter was signed and supported by State Representatives Tara Hong, Vanna Howard, and Rodney Elliott; Lowell Mayor Daniel P. Rourke; Lowell City Councilors Vesna Nuon, Erik Gitschier, Rita Mercier, Corey Robinson, Corey Belanger, Wayne Jenness, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem, Sokhary Chau, and City Councilors–elect Sidney Liang and Sean McDonough.
In addition to the letter, there will be a rally calling for peace in Cambodia. The rally will take place on Saturday, December 20th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Lowell City Hall, 375 Merrimack Street.
Everyone is invited to join in solidarity and encouraged to bring signs, flags, and banners to show support for peace and an end to the conflict.
