GENEVA, Switzerland: Keo Sovann, permanent representative of Cambodia to the UN Office in Geneva, reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the Ottawa Convention and its humanitarian objectives during the Intersessional Meetings of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, held from June 15-18.
He underscored the importance of mine clearance, the promotion of universalisation and cooperation among States Parties and all partners to ensure that the Convention remains a strong pillar of international humanitarian law, safeguarding lives and contributing to the shared vision of a mine-free world.
“Cambodia remains fully committed to upholding and reinforcing the convention norms. We continue the clearance of anti-personnel mines with a focus on areas where human life and communities are at greatest risk,” he said.
He recalled the government’s recent adoption of the National Mine Action Policy 2026–2035, reaching the level of national ownership and strategic planning in over three decades of the Kingdom’s mine action.
Sovann said the new policy demonstrates complete determination to combat landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERWs), along with an unwavering commitment to the norms of the convention. Through this policy, Cambodia aims to release all known landmine-contaminated areas by 2030, in full alignment with its third extension request under the convention.
According to Sovann, Cambodia recently accepted an invitation from the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) to join the Nobel Peace campaign.
As one of the champion states, Cambodia will uphold and revitalise political support for the convention while advancing a shared vision of a mine-free world grounded in humanitarian principles and international cooperation, he explained.
“As we discuss the convention rules within the broader framework of international humanitarian law, it is important that our actions remain guided by objectivity, dialogue and humanitarian considerations, with the ultimate aim of protecting civilians, preserving human dignity and reducing suffering,” he noted. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
