Cambodia Condemns Cluster Bomb Use, Upholds Humanitarian Stance Despite Not Being Party to Convention

Cambodia has declared its official stance of strongly opposing and condemning the use of cluster bombs, despite not being a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The nation supports the objectives of this convention and has never produced or used cluster bombs. This position was stated by Dr. Ly Thuch, Head of the Cambodian Delegation, at the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions held in Vientiane, Laos, on September 14, 2026. Dr. Ly Thuch reported on Cambodia's achievements in clearing over 3,500 square kilometers of land affected by mines and explosive remnants of war over the past 33 years, destroying millions of explosive ordnance. However, he pointed out that in the 2025 Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, the use of cluster bombs by Thai military forces created nearly 4,000 square kilometers of new affected areas, with approximately 3,000 square kilometers impacted by cluster bombs. This has resulted in civilian casualties, particularly among farmers, and has forced over 20,000 residents to be displaced, making their return home difficult. Cambodia expressed its readiness to share its experiences in demining, risk education, and victim assistance with other countries worldwide.