PHNOM PENH: Since its inception in 2006, the “Mine Clearance for Results” project has successfully cleared 384 square kilometres of mine-contaminated land, directly benefiting more than 1.2 million people.
This achievement was highlighted during the 2024 End-of-Year Clearing for Results Project Board Meeting, organised by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today, January 23.
Senior Minister Ly Thuch, CMAA first vice-president, represented Prime Minister Hun Manet at the meeting.
Tuch announced that from 1992 to 2024, Cambodia cleared 3,297 square kilometres of land that had been contaminated with mines and explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions.
The cleared land has been repurposed for agriculture, infrastructure development, housing and other socio-economic activities. He noted that the UNDP-coordinated Mine Clearance for Results project has gained international recognition within the global mine action community.
Thuch expressed gratitude to the governments and people of Australia, South Korea and New Zealand, along with other donors, for their generous and continued support in mine clearance, victim assistance, mine education and the integration of gender into mine action in Cambodia.
“Clearing one mine is not just a statistic; it is a gift of life for future generations. Clearing a minefield is not just removing explosives but also planting hope, opportunities, and new beginnings,” he explained.
The meeting was attended by Alissar Chaker, UNDP resident representative in Cambodia, Shin Yong-Hwa, director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency in Cambodia, Kirsty Harris, representative of the Australian embassy, Dana Avram, first secretary of the New Zealand embassy, and planning teams from Banteay Meanchey province.
Chaker reiterated the UNDP’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s mine action efforts, emphasising that mine clearance helps rebuild lives. She confirmed that over US$6 million would be allocated for mine clearance activities in 2025.
“The UNDP is committed to working with the Cambodian government to complete mine clearance, enhance capacities and promote dignity for mine victims through social and economic integration,” she said.
Thuch thanked Chaker for her dedication to Cambodia’s mine action efforts and acknowledged the long-standing partnership between the CMAA and the UNDP, which has fostered effective collaboration for many years. - PPP/ANN
