Since its inception in 2006, the “Mine Clearance for Results” project has achieved a remarkable milestone, clearing 384 square kilometers of mine-contaminated land and directly benefiting over 1.2 million people. These accomplishments were celebrated at the 2024 End-of-Year Clearing for Results Project Board Meeting, held on January 23 and organized by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Senior Minister Ly Thuch, CMAA First Vice-President, represented Prime Minister Hun Manet at the meeting. He highlighted Cambodia’s extensive mine clearance efforts, revealing that from 1992 to 2024, a total of 3,297 square kilometers of land contaminated with mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), including cluster munitions, has been successfully cleared.
The cleared land has been repurposed for vital socio-economic uses such as agriculture, infrastructure development, and housing. Thuch noted that the UNDP-coordinated “Mine Clearance for Results” project has garnered international acclaim within the global mine action community.
Thuch expressed deep gratitude to donor countries including Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand, as well as other partners, for their generous support in mine clearance, victim assistance, mine education, and gender integration into mine action initiatives.
“Clearing one mine is not just a statistic; it is a gift of life for future generations. Clearing a minefield is not just removing explosives but also planting hope, opportunities, and new beginnings,” he said.
The event was attended by prominent representatives, including Alissar Chaker, UNDP Resident Representative in Cambodia; Shin Yong-Hwa, Director of KOICA in Cambodia; Kirsty Harris, Representative of the Australian Embassy; Dana Avram, First Secretary of the New Zealand Embassy; and planning teams from Banteay Meanchey province.
Chaker reaffirmed the UNDP’s unwavering commitment to supporting Cambodia’s mine action efforts, emphasizing the transformative impact of mine clearance on rebuilding lives. She announced that over $6 million has been allocated for mine clearance activities in 2025.
“The UNDP is committed to working with the Cambodian government to complete mine clearance, enhance capacities, and promote dignity for mine victims through social and economic integration,” she said.
Thuch thanked Chaker for her dedication and acknowledged the strong partnership between the CMAA and UNDP, which has fostered effective collaboration over many years.
Cambodia’s mine clearance efforts are not just about safety but also about paving the way for a brighter future, where cleared lands can support growth and prosperity for its people.
Source: The Phnom Penh Post
