PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – In a significant boost to Cambodia’s humanitarian goals, Italy has pledged its support for the Kingdom’s landmine clearance efforts under the upcoming 2026-2035 National Mine Action Policy.

The announcement was made on Thursday during a high-level Steering Committee meeting for the “Clearing for Results Phase IV” (CfRIV) project, held at the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) headquarters.

Strengthening the “Clearing for Results” Project

The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the CMAA, and Shakeel Ahmad, representing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Dr. Ly Thuch expressed deep gratitude to the existing international coalition, including:

• Australia
• Republic of Korea (KOICA)
• New Zealand
• Luxembourg
• UNDP

Over the past five years, this partnership has successfully cleared millions of square meters of contaminated land, significantly reducing casualties and unlocking land for socio-economic development.

New Strength from Italy

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch specifically welcomed Italy’s return to the partnership for the next phase, describing their commitment as a “new source of strength.” This support will be vital as Cambodia navigates its recently approved extension request under the Ottawa Convention.

IStrategic Priorities & Challenges

Despite the progress, the Minister outlined critical areas that require urgent focus:

• Border Provinces: Conducting detailed surveys in contaminated border areas.
• Rapid Response: Maintaining the ability to react quickly to explosive ordnance reports in high-risk zones.
• Economic Potential: Prioritizing clearance in areas with high potential for agriculture and infrastructure to ensure sustainable peace.

“Italy’s support is essential to eliminating the threat of explosive ordnance and ensuring that no Cambodian family has to live in fear of landmines,” stated Dr. Ly Thuch.

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Senior Minister Delivers Remarks at Geneva Side Event

The remarks were delivered by Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), during a Cambodia-led side event in Geneva, Switzerland, on Dec. 3. The event focused on “Strengthening International Cooperation through Capacity Development for a Mine-Free World.”

Allegations of Unsubstantiated Accusations

Addressing the recent situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border, H.E. Ly Thuch claimed Thailand had leveraged mine incidents to launch accusations against Cambodia, which he labeled as “unfounded, unsubstantiated and unsupported by thorough investigation.” He further asserted that these actions were used to “justify aggressive measures that resulted in harm to Cambodian civilians living in border areas.”

H.E. Ly Thuch reaffirmed Cambodia’s readiness to cooperate fully and to continue engaging through existing mechanisms to address issues peacefully, ensuring border peace, stability, and civilian safety.

Cambodia: From Mine-Affected to Global Leader

The Senior Minister highlighted Cambodia’s successful transformation “from one of the world’s most heavily mine-affected countries into a global leader in mine action,” a feat he attributed to sustained international support. He noted that Cambodia now provides significant support to other mine- and explosive remnants of war (ERW)-affected nations, driven by a deep understanding of human suffering and a belief in collective effort.

Focus on Capacity Development and Article 5

The event, which focused on the critical role of capacity development under Article 5 of the Ottawa Convention, drew representatives from key international bodies and States Parties, including Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), GICHD, and ARMAC.

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New Zealand simultaneously reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s demining sector.

Deepening Partnership: Clearing for Results Programme

This commendation followed a bilateral meeting in Geneva on Dec. 3 between Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and H.E. Ms. Deborah Mary Geels, New Zealand’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva.

Ambassador Geels praised Cambodia’s achievements, describing the nation as a global leader in mine action. She specifically lauded its successful role as Chair and host of the Fifth Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention in 2024. She stressed that Cambodia’s efforts transcend national interests, contributing significantly to the international goal of eliminating landmines worldwide.

CfR: Mine Action for Human Development

Speaking on behalf of the Royal Government, Senior Minister Ly Thuch expressed deep gratitude for New Zealand’s continued support, particularly through the Clearing for Results programme (CfR). CfR, the country’s main framework for mine action since 2006, focuses on “mine action for human development” by ensuring cleared land directly supports poverty reduction and agricultural growth. He noted the recent completion of Phase IV and the commencement of Phase V of the project, which supports Cambodia’s national goal of being mine-free by 2030. He called on New Zealand to continue its assistance until the “last landmine is cleared from Cambodian soil.”

Senior Minister Addresses Border Tensions and Ottawa Convention Violations

During the meeting, the Senior Minister also addressed the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He alleged that Thailand has used “unsubstantiated and unverified accusations” as a pretext for acts of aggression that have harmed Cambodian civilians in border areas. He stated that such actions constitute serious violations of the principles of the Ottawa Convention and the cooperative spirit among States Parties. The Convention, a primary international treaty, completely bans the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines and holds member states responsible for clearing mined areas.

New Zealand Opposes Use of Heavy Weapons Near Civilians

He affirmed Cambodia’s readiness to cooperate and continue engaging existing mechanisms to resolve issues peacefully, ensuring stability, security, and safety for the population.

Ambassador Geels responded by expressing sympathy for the Cambodian communities affected by recent hostilities in border areas. She voiced firm opposition to the use of heavy weapons that violate international humanitarian law and pose serious risks to civilians. She concluded by encouraging both Cambodia and Thailand to continue cooperation to preserve peace and to improve livelihoods and living conditions for the people in the border regions.

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