Cambodia Vows to Clear All Landmines and War Remnants by 2035

The Cambodian government has reaffirmed its commitment to completely clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) from the country by 2035. This initiative is a crucial step towards eradicating the threats left by decades of conflict and ensuring the safety and sustainable development of its citizens. Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the National Committee for Disaster Management, H.E. Ly Thuch, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Manet, stated at the official launch of the National Policy on Mine Action 2026-2035, "Cambodia is committed to becoming a country free from the impact of explosive remnants of war, where no community lives under the threat of these deadly weapons." He emphasized that mine action is central to national development and a pledge to the Cambodian people and future generations. In the 1990s, over 4,000 people were killed or injured annually by landmines and ERW, severely hindering agricultural production, children's access to education, and community development. Through continuous government efforts, the number of annual casualties has now fallen below 100. Land once feared by its inhabitants is now being utilized for farming, building schools, and attracting investment. The new national policy envisions a Cambodia free from the impact of explosive remnants of war by 2035, promoting sustainable livelihoods, peace, stability, and development. H.E. Ly Bunraing, Secretary General of the Mine Action Authority, outlined the policy's objectives, including the clearance of known mine and cluster munition contaminated areas, reduction of other ERW-contaminated areas, and sustainable support for mine victims. To achieve these goals, six main objectives and thirty strategies have been developed. Key targets include clearing all known mine-contaminated land by 2030, and all known cluster munition and priority ERW-contaminated land by 2035. The policy also aims to build a sustainable national framework for managing residual ERW, provide effective risk education, deliver comprehensive services to victims, enhance international cooperation, and ensure mine action addresses cross-sectoral issues and leverages catalysts for improvement. This policy is expected to contribute to Cambodia's socio-economic development and enhance its international standing.