Rapid Demining Efforts in Cambodia: Progress and Challenges

One Million People Still Living Under Threat

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Saturday said that nearly one million people are living under the threats of unexploded ordnances (UXO) despite three decades of rapid demining exercise, reported Fresh News.

Substantial Amount of Land Still Contaminated

He said about 1,700 kilometres (km) of land, or roughly two-and-a-half times the size of Singapore, is still exposed to landmine hazards.

Legacy of the Khmer Rouge Conflict

The lethal landmines laid during the Khmer Rouge conflict in the 1990s continue to trouble the rural population despite aggressive efforts by the Cambodian government, local communities, and international agencies to clear the unexploded remnants of war.

Progress Made, But More Work Remains

“In nearly 30 years we have cleared more than 3,000 square kilometres (sq km) of land. We now have 1,700 sq km remaining to be cleared, with approximately one million citizens living in mine-affected areas.

“To put this into perspective, the remaining contaminated land is roughly two-and-a-half times the size of Singapore,” said Hun Manet, according to online media Fresh News.

A Decades-Long Challenge

It has been widely reported that Cambodia was once the most heavily contaminated country with landmines, cluster munitions and other unexploded weapons in the world.

Transforming Rural Economies

However, the continuous collective efforts have managed to reduce the number of unexploded devices, and some of the land freed from landmine threats has now been turned into agricultural land that is transforming rural economies.

A Long-Term Vision

The Cambodian government is working tirelessly to achieve its vision to free the Kingdom from landmines by 2025.

Cambodian Mine Action Centre’s Lead Role

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre is spearheading clearing mines and UXO and providing education to local communities about the hazards of these weapons.

A Call to Action

During a meeting with Cambodian Red Cross Youth volunteers in Phnom Penh, Hun Manet reminded the public to continue supporting demining activities and maintaining peace that is vital to further the nation’s progress.

Conclusion

While significant progress has been made in demining Cambodia, there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of its citizens. The Cambodian government, local communities, and international agencies must continue to work together to address this complex issue.

FAQs

* What is the current state of demining in Cambodia?
– Cambodia still has approximately 1,700 square kilometers of land contaminated with landmines and UXO, posing a threat to nearly one million people.
* When will Cambodia be free from landmines?
– The Cambodian government aims to achieve this goal by 2025.
* What is being done to address the issue?
– The Cambodian Mine Action Centre is spearheading demining efforts, and local communities are being educated about the hazards of these weapons. International agencies are also providing support.