Cambodia Highlights Mine Clearance Achievements, Expresses Grave Concern Over Humanitarian Crisis

At a meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission in New York on July 29, 2026, Cambodia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Heng Chanphearith, stated that Cambodia, as a post-conflict country that has suffered from the threat of landmines, considers mine action not only a humanitarian and security issue but also an investment in peacebuilding and maintenance. He briefed the meeting on Cambodia's experience and concrete achievements in mine clearance, highlighting the clearance of 3,598 square kilometers of land contaminated with explosive remnants of war, including 2,586 square kilometers of land with anti-personnel mines. He also noted Cambodia's contribution to peacekeeping operations, sending approximately 10,000 peacekeepers, including demining experts, since 2006, and successfully hosting the "Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a World Without Mines." While reaffirming Cambodia's commitment to clearing all mined areas by 2030 through the implementation of the National Mine Action Policy 2026-2035, he expressed grave concern over the humanitarian consequences stemming from recent border conflicts and the use of cluster bombs by one party. He emphasized that this not only causes long-term humanitarian impact but also adds further pressure to Cambodia's surveying, research, clearance, and victim assistance efforts.