AKP Phnom Penh, December 01, 2025 --

Cambodia has called on all States Parties to uphold the norms and spirit of the Ottawa Convention, urging them not to exploit or take actions that undermine the Convention’s principles and humanitarian objectives.

The appeal was made by H.E. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), during the Twenty-Second Meeting of the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, held on Dec. 1 in Geneva, Switzerland.

H.E. Ly Thuch also encouraged States Parties to work together to achieve the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan and Political Declaration, in order to clear the legacy of past conflicts and build a peaceful future for all.

He underscored that Cambodia’s mine action programme is implemented transparently, professionally, and in full compliance with its international obligations – an approach that has earned Cambodia recognition as a global leader in mine action, information management, and survivor assistance.

The Senior Minister reaffirmed Cambodia’s full commitment to the goals of the Convention, including its efforts to strengthen national capacity, support victims, share technical expertise globally, and assist other mine-affected countries upon request.

He acknowledged that border areas in several countries, including Cambodia, remain affected by complex minefields left over from past wars, posing risks to civilians and military personnel alike. Cambodia has addressed these challenges by focusing on the humanitarian, economic, and political impacts of landmines, and by pursuing cooperation, dialogue, and technical solutions to ensure safety and stability along its borders.

By C. Nika