Mine action is a core component of Cambodia’s national development and a commitment to protect the people and future generations, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch said.
He made the remarks while representing Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at a ceremony to officially launch the National Mine Action Policy 2026-2035 at the Office of the Council of Ministers in Phnom Penh on Sept. 2.
H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch said the Royal Government considers mine action an important part of its national development strategy, linking mine clearance with food security, rural development, poverty reduction, infrastructure development and improved living standards.
He noted that more than three decades of mine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) clearance have significantly reduced the impact of these remnants on the Cambodian people. Cleared land is now being used for agriculture, education, infrastructure development and investment, among other purposes.
According to H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, the new policy introduces an important shift in measuring the success of mine action. Success will no longer be measured only by the amount of land cleared, but also by what people are able to build, develop and benefit from on the cleared land.
“We will continue clearing mines and clear them until they are gone. By 2035, Cambodia is committed to having no impact from mines and explosive remnants of war – a country where no community lives under the threat of explosive ordnance,” he said.
He stressed that peace is the foundation of Cambodia’s mine action efforts and expressed deep gratitude to former Prime Minister and President of the Senate Samdech Techo Hun Sen for leading Cambodia toward peace, stability, solidarity and development, thereby creating a strong foundation for mine and ERW clearance.
H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Hun Manet for his strong attention to and support for the mine action sector, particularly in protecting lives and dignity and contributing to socio-economic development.
He thanked donor countries, development partners, mine action operators, civil society organisations, the private sector, philanthropists and other stakeholders for their contributions to the humanitarian mission.
He called on all partners to continue supporting Cambodia during the final and increasingly complex stage of mine clearance, which requires substantial resources to achieve the goal of a Cambodia free from the impact of mines and ERW.
The National Mine Action Policy 2026-2035 envisions “a Cambodia free from the impact of explosive ordnance,” where people enjoy sustainable livelihoods, peace, stability and development.
Representatives of donor countries, development partners and the private sector also congratulated the Royal Government on the launch of the new policy, describing it as an important strategic document reflecting Cambodia’s vision for the mine action sector.
They highly valued Cambodia’s achievements in mine action and reaffirmed their contributions and commitment to continuing support for the goal of a Cambodia free from the impact of explosive ordnance.
