Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), has shared how the fight against landmines is not only Cambodia’s responsibility, but the shared responsibility of the entire world.
He made the statement on Monday, July 28, as he presided over the signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the CMAA, Good People International NGO (GPI) of South Korea and the Cambodian Self-Help Demining (CSHD) organisation. The MoU aims to support mine clearance operations in Siem Reap province.
The purpose of the agreement is to contribute to enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring safe access to farmland for communities in Siem Reap that are still affected by the landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) that remain from decades-ago wars.
On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Thuch expressed his gratitude to GPI for its commitment to working with Cambodia in support of peace, development and humanitarian cooperation through contributions toward solving the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
He also praised the institute for its support and trust in the government, noting that it has contributed to improving the lives of Cambodians by saving lives, restoring communities, offering renewed hope and rebuilding dignity. Most importantly, he said, the work is helping to fulfil Cambodia’s vision of building a future free from the fear of landmines.
The government recognises that mine action is not only about safety, but also serves as a foundation for peacebuilding, food security, poverty reduction, development and economic growth, he noted.
The signing ceremony took place at the CMAA headquarters, with signatures from Ly Panharith, CMAA secretary-general of the CMAA; Lee Jongsun, vice-president of GPI, and Ung Sokcheng, executive director of CSHD.
Thuch also strongly condemned the recent use of cluster munitions by Thai military forces in cross-border attacks on Cambodian territory, expressing deep concerns about the present and future dangers these weapons will pose to the population.
