Phnom Penh: The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) convened a meeting of the Mine Action Coordination Committee (MACC) this afternoon to assess the progress of the National Mine Action Strategic Plan 2018-2025. The meeting was presided over by H.E. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of CMAA, representing Prime Minister and CMAA President, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Ly Thuch expressed gratitude to all operators involved in the implementation of the plan. These include both national and international entities such as the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), HALO Trust, MAG, NPA, CSHD, APOPO, and the ASEAN Regional Centre for Mine Action (ARMAC). Their dedication has been pivotal in advancing the objectives of the strategic plan.

The efforts over the past year have resulted in the clearance of 273 square kilometers of landmine and UXO-contaminated areas. The operations led to the discovery and destruction of more than 17,000 anti-personnel mines, over 200 anti-tank mines, and over 90,000 unexploded ordnances (UXOs). Additionally, there has been a notable reduction in accident rates, highlighting the effectiveness of the current strategies.

As the strategic plan approaches its conclusion, Cambodia is setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at eliminating the impact of mines and UXOs. H.E. Ly Thuch emphasized the importance of ensuring citizen safety and facilitating national development. To further these goals, CMAA is drafting the National Mine Action Policy (NMAP) 2026-2035. The policy will integrate ongoing developments in mine action and consolidate policy and strategy into a comprehensive document, with input from all relevant stakeholders.