The Cambodian Mine Authority has informed the EU that mine clearance along the Thai border continues, prioritising clearly demarcated areas, populated regions and other locations which are vital for socio-economic development.
Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), discussed clearance operations with Igor Driesmans, head of the European Union Delegation to Cambodia during a September 16 meeting.
“There are no primary issues regarding humanitarian mine clearance along the Cambodia-Thailand border. The main challenge is that some areas along the border have not yet been mutually agreed upon or clearly demarcated between Cambodia and Thailand,” Thuch explained.
“Nevertheless, Cambodia is continuing mine clearance activities as usual, in line with legal principles and humanitarian guidelines, under the initiative of Prime Minister Hun Manet, which prioritises clearly demarcated areas, populated regions and sites serving socio-economic needs,” he added.
According to Thuch, the recent five-day armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand in July left behind a large amount of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from Thai military strikes. They have had severe negative impacts on innocent civilians over the long term and added an additional burden to the Royal Government of Cambodia in addressing the issue.
He noted that Thailand’s unexploded ordnance, combined with the remaining landmines along the Cambodia-Thailand border, is an issue Cambodia is addressing with great attention, as part of its efforts to achieve the goal of a mine-free Cambodia.
The EU has supported humanitarian mine action in Cambodia since 1992, contributing to providing safe land, reducing casualty rates, and improving the livelihoods of local communities, according to Thuch.
