The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), in collaboration with the Chinese embassy in Cambodia, has launched an educational campaign to raise awareness among war refugees about the dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO). The initiative also aimed to reassure the public that Cambodia seeks peace and does not support conflict or loss of life.
The outreach event was held on January 5 at Banteay Srei Pagoda in Khnar Sanday commune, Banteay Srei district in Siem Reap province. It was presided over by Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the CMAA, and Chinese embassy chargé d’affaires Fan Manjiang.
According to the CMAA, Fan reaffirmed China’s ongoing support for humanitarian mine action in Cambodia, stating that China would continue its assistance with the aim of ensuring the Cambodian people live free from the threat of UXO.
Thuch noted that China played a role in facilitating the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire through the “Fuxian Declaration”, which he said would help guide the situation towards peace. He also acknowledged China’s humanitarian support to refugees affected by the conflict.
He added that Prime Minister Hun Manet had used all available political and diplomatic means to advocate for a ceasefire and to end the suffering caused by what he described as the Thai military’s invasion of Cambodia.
“Samdech Thipadei’s [Hun Manet’s] goal is to avoid war and prevent death and injury among the Cambodian people. In other words, he wishes to resolve the conflict peacefully and ensure that all Cambodians live in peace and share in development,” Thuch said.
Although hostilities have eased, undetonated shells fired by the Thai military remain scattered across civilian areas, posing a serious threat to returning residents. The CMAA has urged all mine action stakeholders to take immediate steps to educate war refugees on the dangers of UXO.
