Cambodia Firmly Opposes Cluster Munitions, Appeals for Global Ban

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State in charge of Special Missions, and First Vice President of the Mine Authority, Dr. Ly Thuch, has firmly declared Cambodia's absolute opposition to the use of cluster bombs, weapons that cause severe harm to civilians and leave long-lasting impacts. This statement was made during his inspection of cluster bomb clearance activities by the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) in Ta Ong village, Koun Mom district, Ratanakiri province, on the morning of August 4, 2026. Dr. Ly Thuch emphasized that Cambodia is a country severely affected by cluster bombs, including the Thai military attack in 2025, which threatened the lives of its citizens. In this regard, he called on the international community to collectively end the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs worldwide, and to strengthen cooperation in clearing explosive remnants and supporting victims. Cambodia remains committed to accelerating cluster bomb clearance, enhancing awareness education, and supporting victims to ensure no citizen suffers from these weapons. Dr. Ly Thuch also expressed gratitude to Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet for their visionary leadership in humanitarian demining. Despite significant progress, approximately 644 square kilometers of land still require clearance. Dr. Ly Thuch highly praised the cooperation of NPA, the United States, and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), which have supported this work since 2013. Cambodia will continue to strengthen cooperation with national and international partners to mobilize resources and technical expertise. As a victim country, Cambodia will participate in the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Laos in September 2026 to share experiences and appeal for continued financial support to achieve a world free from cluster bombs.