A demining clears munitions from a former battlefield. - Photo: CMAC
PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian government, through the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMMA), has clarified that the Kingdom does not receive direct funding from USAID.
Instead, it receives funding from the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement of the US State Department, which provides support to demining organisations in Cambodia.
A press release from the CMAA, issued on Friday (Feb 7), stated: “These funds are not provided through USAID, nor are they given directly to the Cambodian government”.
The CMAA added that demining organisations currently receiving support from this office are in discussions regarding this matter, with the facilitation of the CMAA.
On average, US funding for mine action in Cambodia accounts for approximately 30 per cent of the total annual budget allocated for landmine and cluster munition clearance, as well as related activities, it added.
“In this regard, mine and cluster munition clearance, along with the removal of other explosive remnants of war, will continue with financial support from the Cambodian government and other donor countries outside of the US,” it said.
Recently, Ly Thuch, CMAA’s First Vice President, stated that the reduction in US aid has impacted over 1,000 demining personnel. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
