Cambodia Supports Humanitarian Goals of Cluster Munitions Convention, Backs Laos as Host

Cambodia has expressed its support for the humanitarian objectives of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) and endorsed Laos's role as host for the convention's meeting. This was stated by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Mine Action Authority, Ly Thuch, during a bilateral meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongsavan Phomvihane, who also chairs the 3rd Review Conference of the CCM, on September 13, 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane. Deputy Prime Minister Ly Thuch thanked Laos for hosting and presiding over the 3rd Review Conference, reaffirming Cambodia's support for Laos's efforts in advancing international humanitarian endeavors. He also highlighted the traditional friendship and long-standing diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Laos, expressing gratitude for the progress and resilience of the Lao government and people in addressing the remnants of war, particularly cluster munitions. Cambodia has cleared over 3,500 square kilometers of mines and explosive remnants of war in more than three decades, significantly contributing to protecting citizens' lives, opening land for development, and creating safe communities. Although Cambodia is not a state party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions and holds observer status, it actively supports the convention's humanitarian goals and has cleared numerous cluster bombs. Currently, approximately over 600 square kilometers of land in Cambodia remain affected by cluster bombs, requiring continued clearance efforts. Concurrently, Cambodia is facing new humanitarian burdens from the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict in 2025, where explosive ordnance has affected nearly 4,000 square kilometers of land, with nearly 3,000 square kilometers assessed as being impacted by cluster bombs. This new situation adds to Cambodia's burden in addressing the legacy of war, necessitating increased support and cooperation from the international community. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Thongsavan Phomvihane thanked Cambodia for sending a delegation to the conference and underscored the excellent relations between Cambodia and Laos as neighboring countries and ASEAN members. He also mentioned cooperation and experience sharing between the two countries in addressing explosive ordnance issues, particularly cluster munition remnants from the Vietnam War. Source: AKP Khmer