Cambodia Firmly Opposes Cluster Bomb Use, Cites Past Thai Attack

Cambodia has declared its firm opposition to the use of cluster bombs, with Deputy Prime Minister Ly Thuch, also the First Vice President of the National Mine Action Authority, urging the international community to eradicate these weapons that cause severe harm to civilians and leave long-lasting impacts for generations. During an inspection of cluster bomb research and demining activities by the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) in Kon Mom district, Ratanakiri province, on the morning of August 4, 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Cambodia's stance. He stated that Cambodia, having been severely affected by cluster bombs, deeply understands the suffering, loss of life, disabilities, and impacts on livelihoods that these weapons inflict. He specifically cited an incident in 2025 where Thai soldiers used cluster bombs to attack Cambodian territory, affecting both combat zones and civilian areas. This, he noted, posed a long-term threat to the lives of Cambodian citizens and increased the burden on the Cambodian government. Ly Thuch appealed to the international community to collectively end the use of cluster bombs, strengthen cooperation in clearing explosive remnants of war, support victims, and ensure that citizens, especially children and women, can live safely and with dignity, free from the fear of explosive remnants. Despite Cambodia's significant progress, approximately 644 square kilometers of land still require clearance of cluster bombs. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the cooperation with NPA and profound thanks to the United States and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) for their support in cluster bomb research and clearance in Ratanakiri province since 2013. He affirmed that Cambodia will continue to strengthen cooperation with national and international partners to mobilize resources and technical expertise to accelerate the efficient clearance of cluster bomb remnants. As a victim country, Cambodia will participate in the Convention on Cluster Munitions meeting in Laos in September 2026 to share its progress and experiences, and to call for continued financial support from the international community and a collective effort to end the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs worldwide. Hans Peter Risser, Country Director for NPA in Cambodia, stated that NPA has been involved in humanitarian mine action in Cambodia since 1993, including support for mine and explosive remnant clearance, technical assistance, and human resource training. With support from the United States and NORAD since 2013, NPA has supported the research and clearance of cluster bombs in Ratanakiri province, covering over 40 square kilometers. They have found and destroyed over 6,000 cluster bombs and other explosive war remnants, directly benefiting more than 30,000 people. Risser affirmed NPA's commitment to continue strengthening its partnership with Cambodia until the country achieves its goal of becoming a nation free from the impact of mines and explosive remnants of war. Source: AKP Khmer