Cambodia Postpones Mine-Free Target to 2030
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Synopsis
Cambodia has announced an extension of its mine-free target to 2030 due to geographical challenges in mine clearance along the border, as stated by a spokesperson from the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA). The extension aims to address the complexities involved in clearing contaminated land.
Key Takeaways
- Cambodia's mine-free target has been pushed to 2030.
- The decision stems from geographical difficulties in mine clearance.
- Approximately 4 to 6 million landmines remain in the country.
- The CMAA is drafting a new National Mine Action Policy.
- Training for explosive detection dogs is underway to enhance security.
Phnom Penh, Jan 19 (NationPress) Cambodia has postponed its aspiration to achieve a mine-free status until 2030, an extension from the earlier target of 2025. This decision was made due to the challenging geographical conditions that impede mine detection and clearance along the border, as noted by a representative of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).
According to Lang Kosal, minefields along the Cambodia-Thailand border are situated in extremely challenging mountainous landscapes and heavily forested regions.
"These areas are highly contaminated, necessitating additional time and resources for teams to access and clear," he informed Xinhua news agency.
"In light of these difficulties, we have opted to extend our mine/explosive remnant of war (ERW)-free target to 2030," he elaborated.
Kosal mentioned that the CMAA is currently formulating the National Mine Action Policy for 2026-2030, which will outline actionable plans and strategies to meet the updated target.
Cambodia is among the nations most severely impacted by landmines and ERWs. Approximately 4 million to 6 million landmines and other munitions remain from three decades of warfare and internal strife that concluded in 1998.
A report from the CMAA indicated that from 1979 to 2024, explosions from landmines and ERWs have resulted in the loss of 19,834 lives and caused injuries to 45,252 individuals.
From 1992 to 2023, CMAC has successfully cleared 3,024 square kilometers of contaminated land, uncovering over 4 million explosives that benefited 12 million individuals. The Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA) reported that from 1979 to 2023, explosions claimed the lives of 19,822 people and injured 45,215.
CMAC has collaborated with the Interior Ministry to enhance dog training techniques focused on drug detection and security, having established a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) to train dogs for handling all varieties of explosive devices and drug-related issues.
Five years ago, Heng Ratana mentioned that CMAC and the National Police Force signed the inaugural MOU to facilitate information sharing and assist in the identification and destruction of tens of thousands of mines and explosive remnants of war.
“Thus, this MOU, alongside initiatives to enhance training and raise awareness about mines, will further augment dog training techniques to ensure security and combat drug issues,” he stated.
Training in dog handling is essential for monitoring explosive devices and drug-related challenges in Phnom Penh and surrounding provinces, with a focus on tourist destinations, economic zones, development areas, border crossings, and high-risk locations, according to Ratana.
“Our previous collaboration yielded successful results,” he remarked. “In response to reports, we operate at no cost, recovering approximately 10,000 to 30,000 landmines annually. We have also provided education, instructing 1.8 million to 2 million individuals on self-defense.”
