Cambodia Achieves Over 3,000sqkm of Landmines Cleared as Four Provinces Declared Mine-Free by 2024

• Sommana Yan
• 27 February 2024
• Uncategorized @km
• 2547 Views

In a momentous stride towards ensuring the safety and prosperity of its citizens, Cambodia marked the 25th anniversary of the National Mine Awareness Day on 24 February 2024, under the theme “Together to eliminate the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance in the community.” As of 2024, the Cambodian government proudly announced the successful clearance of more than 3,000 square kilometres of landmines over the past 31 years.

The latest demining efforts are set to declare four additional provinces – Kratie, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, and Ratanakkiri – free from the threat of landmines. This significant achievement underscores Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to creating safer and more prosperous communities.

In the year 2023 alone, an impressive 444 square kilometres were successfully cleared, contributing to the country’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens. Notably, 76% of the reclaimed land is now available for agricultural purposes, with an additional 5% allocated for essential infrastructure and 19% for various community development projects, including housing, schools, health centres, and more. These efforts have directly benefited 11,980 individuals and 172 communities.

Over the course of three decades (1992-2023), Cambodia’s demining teams have meticulously identified and neutralised 1,179,365 anti-personnel mines, 26,339 anti-tank mines, and 3,105, 593 unexploded ordnances, enhancing the safety of local populations and fostering sustainable development.

As a testament to its continued dedication to demining initiatives, the Royal Government has established the “Cambodia Mine Action Fund 2025,” further advancing efforts to liberate land and provide secure environments for the nation’s citizens.

Since 2022, Cambodia has declared 14 provincial capitals as mine-free, including Stung Treng, Kep, Prey Veng, Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Kampot, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham and Tbong Khmum, Kampong Speu and Mondulkiri provinces.