PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet has warned that the threat from mines and explosive remnants of war (ERWs) remains substantial in Cambodia.
He noted that the risks were further exacerbated by the Thai military's violations of Cambodia's sovereignty, such as the use of cluster bombs and artillery shells, which have destroyed homes, property and civilian infrastructure.
In a statement released ahead of the 27th Mine Awareness Day, to be held on Feb 24, Manet stated that from 1992 to 2025, Cambodia cleared 3,541 square kilometres of land contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance for productive use, the construction of civilian infrastructure and roads.
Over the course of these 33 years, Cambodia located and destroyed 1,207,133 anti-personnel mines, 26,700 anti-tank mines, and 3,244,178 other ERWs.
Thanks to this vital work, the number of casualties decreased from 4,320 in 1996 to just 39 in 2025. The prime minister noted that many more square kilometres of land remain uncleared, with many areas still suspected of containing mines and ERWs.
In addition to its domestic efforts, Cambodia has also participated in peacekeeping missions to several nations.
Since 2006, Cambodia has deployed 10,447 peacekeeping troops under the UN framework to maintain peace, strengthen security and order, and perform humanitarian tasks, including mine clearance, in several African countries.
“Unfortunately, in 2025, Cambodia suffered severe damage from the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, as the Thai military violated Cambodia's national sovereignty and used cluster bombs, artillery shells, dropped bombs and other ordnance that destroyed homes, property and public infrastructure such as health centres, schools, pagodas and ancient temples, and forced tens of thousands of families to evacuate to safe locations,” Manet noted in his statement.
“Some of these pieces of ordnance remain unexploded and are scattered in many locations, which could explode. Indeed, in the recent past, there have been cases of civilians being killed and injured by leftover cluster bombs,” he said.
He added that unexploded ordnance remaining from the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute has created a significant ongoing threat, requiring the government to intensify its efforts to achieve the goal of “A Cambodia free from the impact of mines and explosive remnants of war”.
Manet instructed relevant institutions, local authorities and stakeholders to continue raising public awareness about the dangers of mines and ERWs such as cluster bombs. He urged citizens to be vigilant and report any unexploded ordnance.
He also appealed to donor countries, development partners, the private sector and philanthropists to cooperate with the mine authorities and continue supporting clearance activities to reduce risks, restore dignity and build a prosperous future for the people. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
