AKP Phnom Penh, February 13, 2025 --

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) organised here on Feb. 13 a Stakeholder Workshop on its draft National Mines Action Policy 2025-2035 to achieve the long-term vision of “Cambodia toward zero impact from landmines and UXO.”

H.E. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the CMAA, presided over the workshop, attended by representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, partner countries, development partners, national and international organisations, and mine action operators.

The workshop was held with the aim of discussing and gathering key inputs for the drafting of the National Mine Action Policy 2026-2035, which will be an important guideline leading to the long-term vision of “Cambodia toward zero impact from landmines and UXO.”

In the workshop, H.E. Ly Thuch acknowledged the significant progress made in mine action, but emphasised the need to continue increasing mine clearance efforts, enhancing cooperation, and mobilising additional resources as the remaining mine-affected areas are still large and complex. 

As 2025 marks the final year of the implementation of the National Mine Action Strategic Plan 2018-2025, Cambodia’s commitment on mine action will not cease, he said. 

H.E. Ly Thuch also highly appreciated the achievements in implementing the National Mine Action Strategy 2018-2025, which is the roadmap and vision for mine action in Cambodia, and this remarkable success is an important factor in contributing to promoting national economic growth and poverty reduction of the Royal Government of Cambodia.

The National Mine Action Policy 2026-2035 will combine both policy and strategy in a single document, pushing the long-term vision initiated by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia, he added. 

On behalf of the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia, H.E. Senior Minister expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their participation in mine action in the Kingdom.

According to the CMAA, from 1992 to 2024, some 3,297 square kilometres of landmine-contaminated area have been cleared for use and cultivation, of which 81 percent is for agriculture, 4 percent for infrastructure, and 15 percent for other purposes (housing, farms, schools, health centers, etc.), benefiting more than 10 million people. 

During the said period, 1,197,218 anti-personnel mines, 26,567 anti-tank mines, and 3,196,704 explosive remnants of war have been found and destroyed. The number of casualties has decreased from 4,320 in 1996 to 49 in 2024. 

To date, 15 provinces and capital – Stung Treng, Kep, Prey Veng, Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Kampot, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Thbong Khmum, Kampong Speu, Mondulkiri, and Kratie – have been declared mine free. 

By Chea Vannak