Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a January 6 circular on strengthening mine action management to achieve the Kingdom’s 2025 mine-free strategic plan.
The circular read that mine clearance was prioritised by the government in order to contribute to poverty reduction and boost development.
Cambodia set a clear vision to make the country mine-free, reduce threats of explosive remnants of war to the minimum, and boost socio-economic and human development safely. The government has laid out the “Mine-Free Cambodia” strategic plan by late 2025.
To meet this target, the government has requested the continued cooperation and support of development partners, friendly countries, the private sector and donors in terms of training, funding and materials support for mine clearance.
In addition, all government institutions that implement infrastructure and development projects must cooperate with the authorities to manage mine clearance. They should consult on the threat posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance at project sites, and determine the measures and methods which are necessary to avoid potential risks.
The builders and developers of private projects should also cooperate with the authorities to identify the exact location of mines and UXO-threatened areas and the need to clear them before construction begins.
The government encouraged the Ministry of Health and relevant institutions to provide free professional health care and treatment for demining operators.
The prime minister also advised that the authorities in charge of mine clearance action should adjust legal standards and relevant documents to ensure the harmonisation of the mine action management structure and continue to implement mine-free action village mechanisms successfully.
Local and international mine clearance operators should continue to cooperate with the authorities to further strengthen the management of mine action. This includes the Cambodian forces sent abroad to work on mine clearance operations.
“The authorities in charge of mine clearance action should conduct feasibility studies to ensure that the methods employed are as safe, effective and efficient as possible to accelerate mine clearance in Cambodia,” the circular stated.
