CMAA’s Ly Thuch (left) meets with Chinese ambassador Wang Wentian to discuss mine action cooperation, on January 3. CMAA
Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), has informed one of the CMAA’s major partners that despite challenges, the government remains focussed on its goal of a mine-free Cambodia by 2025.
He reiterated the goal during a January 3 meeting with Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian on partnership and cooperation in landmine action.
Thuch also shared the positive news that 2023 saw a decrease in the number of victims and survivors of mines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW).
According to a CMAA social media post, during the meeting, Thuch extended thanks to the Chinese government and people for their continued support and active participation in Cambodia’s development.
He noted that the assistance included humanitarian contributions to landmine action, via funding, technical equipment and training.
He added that last year, with the contribution of China, along with other friendly countries and development partners, Cambodia had cleared 356sq km of landmines, the largest area in 30 years.
“Although we continue to face demining challenges, the removal of all mines from Cambodian territory by 2025 remains the clear goal of the Cambodian government. It will require the participation of all stakeholders, and we hope that after 2025, no more Cambodians will be affected by landmines,” he said.
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Thuch also thanked China for its support for the Kingdom’s chairmanship of the 2024 Ottawa Convention and hosting of the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World, scheduled for November this year.
He explained that the two roles are indicators of Cambodia’s excellent reputation in the international community when it comes to mine action.
According to a CMAA annual report, last year saw 32 individuals fall victim to mines and ERWs, a decrease of 22 per cent compared to the 41 people who were affected in 2022.
Of the 32 victims, 17 encountered landmines, while 15 were injured by ERWs. Four people were killed, with 10 suffering amputations. The remaining 18 suffered a variety of other injuries.
The report noted that the majority of the cases occurred in Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang and Ratanakkiri provinces.
“The decrease in casualties is due to the efforts of the Cambodian government and its partners to increase demining operations. The outcomes achieved in 2023 are a source of congratulations to the Kingdom as it moves towards the goal of a mine-free Cambodia 2025,” it continued.
