Cambodia Reaffirms Support for Cluster Munitions Convention, Faces New Humanitarian Burden

Cambodia has reaffirmed its support for the "humanitarian goals" of the Convention on Cluster Munitions at the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, held in Laos. This conference serves as a platform to assess the implementation of the convention, which aims to prohibit the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of cluster munitions, and to discuss future efforts. In Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Mine Action Authority, Dr. Ly Thuch, held a bilateral meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongsavanh Phomvihane. Minister Phomvihane expressed gratitude for Cambodia's participation in the conference and highlighted the strong bilateral relations and the sharing of experiences between the two countries in addressing explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions, since the Vietnam War. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ly Thuch congratulated Laos on hosting and chairing the conference, stating that Cambodia also supports Laos' efforts to promote international humanitarian endeavors. He also conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Hun Manet and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn. Although Cambodia is not a state party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, it has actively participated as an "observer state" and supported its humanitarian objectives. For over three decades, Cambodia has cleared more than 3,500 square kilometers of land from landmines and explosive remnants of war, contributing significantly to protecting citizens' lives and promoting development. It is estimated that approximately 600 square kilometers of land remain affected by cluster munitions. Furthermore, Cambodia is facing a new humanitarian challenge. The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict in 2025 has resulted in nearly 4,000 square kilometers of land being affected by explosive remnants of war, with approximately 3,000 square kilometers assessed as being contaminated by cluster munitions. This situation is increasing the burden of clearing the legacy of war for Cambodia, necessitating further support and cooperation from the international community.