Cambodia Marks Significant Milestones in Landmine Clearance Efforts

• Sommana Yan
• 25 February 2025
• Local News
• 4365 Views

On the occasion of the 26^th National Mine Awareness Day, celebrated on 24 February 2025, Prime Minister Samdech Thip Dei Hun Manet highlighted the remarkable achievements in Cambodia’s ongoing mine clearance campaign over the past 32 years. Since its inception in 1992, the initiative has successfully cleared nearly 3,300 square kilometres of land across 15 provinces, significantly enhancing safety and quality of life for residents.

According to government sources, a total of approximately 3,297 square kilometres of land have been rendered mine-free, with an impressive 81% of this area dedicated to agriculture. The remaining cleared land has been allocated for essential infrastructure projects and other developments, including housing, farms, schools, and health centres, benefiting more than 10 million people.

In 2024 alone, over 273 square kilometres were cleared, destroying 17,853 anti-personnel mines, 228 anti-tank mines, and 91,111 explosive remnants of war. This concerted effort has led to a dramatic decrease in casualties, with the number plummeting from 4,320 in 1996 to just 49 in 2024.

Despite significant progress, Cambodia faces the challenge of continuing mine clearance work in an additional 348 square kilometres of land and addressing 1,228.7 square kilometres of explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions. The government’s goal remains clear: to achieve a Cambodia completely free of landmines and unexploded ordnance.

Since 2022, 15 provinces have been officially declared mine-free, including Stung Treng, Kep, Prey Veng, and Phnom Penh, among others. This achievement reflects both the commitment of local authorities and the support of international partners.

In line with these efforts, the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) recently welcomed the announcement from the U.S. State Department confirming continued assistance for the mine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance project. This cooperation underscores the international community’s dedication to ensuring a safer, mine-free future for Cambodia.

As the country moves forward in its mission to eliminate the dangers posed by landmines, the commitment to fostering peace and security remains paramount for millions of Cambodians.

• land development and policy