AKP Phnom Penh, June 08, 2026 --

Australia has committed AUD 1.5 million to support recovery efforts and mine action activities in Cambodian communities affected by border conflict through the Clearing for Results – Phase V (CfR-V) project.

Representing Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), Senior Minister and First Vice President of CMAA H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch presided over the signing ceremony of the contribution agreement between Australia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on June 8 at CMAA headquarters.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Derek Yip, Ambassador of Australia to Cambodia, and Mr. Enrico Gaveglia, UNDP Resident Representative in Cambodia.

Under the agreement, Australia’s contribution will support mine clearance, explosive ordnance risk education, and livelihood assistance for displaced communities, while contributing to socio-economic recovery in four provinces heavily affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict: Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear.

The funding is channelled through the Clearing for Results – Phase V programme, a multi-donor initiative supported by the Royal Government of Cambodia and development partners including Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, and Australia, and jointly implemented by CMAA and UNDP.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch highlighted that mine action remains one of Cambodia’s most important long-term humanitarian and development priorities. Since 1992, more than US$1 billion has been invested in mine clearance, victim assistance, and community protection, with approximately 70 percent financed by international partners alongside sustained national investment.

He noted that Australia has been a trusted mine action partner since the early 1990s and has supported the CfR programme since its first phase in 2006, contributing a total of AUD 45.31 million. The latest contribution reflects a shared commitment to helping affected communities move toward a Cambodia free from the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

Australian Ambassador H.E. Derek Yip reaffirmed Australia’s longstanding support for Cambodia’s demining efforts and said the new funding would focus on clearance activities and livelihood support for communities impacted by the border conflict, while maintaining support for physical rehabilitation services benefiting many Cambodians, including mine survivors.

UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Enrico Gaveglia expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued partnership and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to working with CMAA to ensure cleared land creates greater safety, livelihoods, and development opportunities for local communities.

By C. Nika