Cambodia, Speaking for ASEAN at the UN, Pledges Action on Illicit Small Arms and Landmines
Cambodia’s UN ambassador Keo Chhea, speaking for ASEAN in New York on 21 October, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to fighting the illicit trade in small arms and backed the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre.
អត្ថបទនេះមិនទាន់មានជាភាសាខ្មែរនៅឡើយទេ។ អ្នកកំពុងអានអត្ថបទដើមជាភាសាអង់គ្លេស។
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to stopping the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, in a statement delivered by Cambodia at the United Nations in New York.
Key points
- On 21 October 2026, Cambodia delivered ASEAN’s statement on conventional weapons at the UN General Assembly’s First Committee in New York.
- ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to preventing and combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
- It called for more information-sharing and capacity-building between countries.
- ASEAN backed the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC), which addresses the harm caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Cambodia speaks for ASEAN
Keo Chhea, Cambodia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered the statement on behalf of ASEAN on 21 October 2026. He spoke during the “Conventional Weapons” debate of the First Committee, the UN General Assembly committee that deals with disarmament and international security.
The statement said ASEAN would strengthen regional and international cooperation to prevent and combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Information-sharing and capacity-building
The ambassador said closer exchange of information and more capacity-building would make collective efforts against illicit arms more effective.
Support for ARMAC and mine action
ASEAN also voiced support for the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC), which works on the humanitarian consequences of landmines and explosive remnants of war. ARMAC is headquartered in Phnom Penh.
Mine clearance remains a national priority for Cambodia, which has set a goal of becoming mine-free by 2035. Croatia this week committed to support that goal.
Frequently asked questions
What is ARMAC?
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre, headquartered in Phnom Penh, which works to address the humanitarian impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war in Southeast Asia.
What is the UN First Committee?
The UN General Assembly committee that deals with disarmament and international security.
ផ្អែកលើរបាយការណ៍របស់ Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) ដោយមានការអនុញ្ញាត។
