Cambodia Raises Alarm at UN Over Renewed Explosive Threats Along Border

NEW YORK, July 30, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has voiced alarm at the United Nations over the humanitarian consequences of recent border clashes and the alleged use of cluster munitions, warning that the developments risk undermining decades of progress in mine clearance and recovery. Speaking at the UN Peacebuilding Commission’s meeting on “Mine Action as an Enabler of Peacebuilding, Transitional Justice, Reconciliation and Recovery: Lessons from Colombia and Cambodia,” Chargé d’affaires a.i. Yaung Chansophea said mine action remained central to Cambodia’s post‑conflict recovery and long‑term peacebuilding. Yaung noted Cambodia had cleared 3,598 sq km of land contaminated by unexploded ordnance, including 2,586 sq km affected by anti‑personnel mines, restoring land for communities and economic development. He highlighted Cambodia’s international role, citing nearly 10,000 peacekeepers — including demining specialists — deployed to UN missions since 2006, and the hosting of the Siem Reap‑Angkor Summit on a Mine‑Free World. Reaffirming Cambodia’s goal of clearing all known mine‑contaminated areas by 2030 under its National Mine Action Policy 2026–2035, Yaung expressed deep concern over renewed contamination from border fighting and alleged cluster munitions use. He warned the impact could strain mine survey, clearance and victim assistance programmes. Cambodia remains among the world’s most heavily affected countries by landmines and unexploded ordnance, a legacy of decades of conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and hindered development in affected areas. Officials said the new threats risk reversing hard‑won gains in clearance and recovery.