Cambodia Highlights Mine Clearance Achievements, Expresses Grave Concern Over Humanitarian Impact of Conflicts

At a meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission on "Mine Action as a Factor for Peacebuilding, Transitional Justice, Reconciliation and Recovery: Lessons from Cambodia and Colombia" at UN Headquarters in New York, Cambodia highlighted its achievements in mine clearance while expressing grave concerns over the humanitarian impact of recent conflicts and the use of cluster bombs. Ambassador Yoeung Chan Sophara, Cambodia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, stated that as a post-conflict country long threatened by landmines, Cambodia views mine action not only as a humanitarian and security issue but as an investment in building and maintaining peace. He informed the meeting about Cambodia's experience and concrete achievements in mine clearance, noting the liberation of 3,598 square kilometers of land contaminated with unexploded ordnance, including 2,586 square kilometers of land contaminated with anti-personnel landmines. He also highlighted Cambodia's contribution to peacekeeping operations by sending approximately 10,000 peacekeepers, including demining experts, since 2006, and its successful hosting of the "Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a World Free of Mines." While reaffirming Cambodia's commitment to clearing all mined land by 2030 through the implementation of the National Mine Action Policy 2026-2035, Ambassador Sophara expressed strong 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 efforts in surveying, investigation, clearance, and victim assistance. Source: CEN Cambodia