Cambodia Reaffirms Strong Opposition to Cluster Munitions, Calls for Global Ban
Cambodia has once again reaffirmed its firm opposition to the use of cluster munitions, urging the international community to strengthen cooperation toward ending the production, transfer, stockpiling, and use of these weapons due to their devastating long-term impact on civilian populations.
The statement comes as Cambodia continues to deal with the lasting consequences of unexploded cluster munitions left behind by decades of conflict, while also expanding demining and explosive ordnance clearance operations across affected provinces.
Hundreds of Square Kilometers Still Require Clearance
According to Cambodian authorities, approximately 644 square kilometers of land remain contaminated by cluster munitions and require systematic survey and clearance before communities can safely return to normal economic and agricultural activities.
Although significant progress has been achieved over recent years, officials emphasized that unexploded ordnance continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, and rural development.
Long-Term Threat to Civilian Communities
Cambodia stressed that cluster munitions pose unique humanitarian challenges because many unexploded submunitions remain hidden in farmland, forests, and residential areas for years or even decades after conflicts end.
These unexploded devices continue to endanger:
- Farmers working agricultural land
- Children playing in rural communities
- Local residents collecting forest products
- Infrastructure and development projects
Authorities noted that protecting civilians remains a national priority.
Continued Commitment to Mine Action
Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating:
- Clearance of contaminated land
- Risk education programs
- Assistance for survivors
- Community rehabilitation
- International cooperation on humanitarian demining
Officials believe that reducing explosive hazards is essential for sustainable development and poverty reduction in affected regions.
International Partnerships Remain Important
Cambodia acknowledged the continued support of international partners and humanitarian organizations that have contributed technical expertise, funding, and operational assistance for explosive ordnance clearance over many years.
These partnerships have helped remove thousands of dangerous explosive remnants while returning cleared land to local communities for farming, housing, and economic development.
Progress Made in Ratanakiri Province
Demining activities in northeastern Cambodia have produced encouraging results, with large contaminated areas surveyed and cleared over the past decade.
Thousands of explosive items have reportedly been located and safely destroyed, allowing tens of thousands of residents to benefit from improved safety and expanded land use.
Cambodia to Continue International Cooperation
Cambodia announced that it will continue participating in international forums focused on cluster munitions and humanitarian disarmament.
The country plans to share its experience in post-conflict recovery while encouraging stronger global cooperation to reduce civilian casualties caused by unexploded ordnance.
Officials emphasized that lasting peace requires not only ending armed conflict but also eliminating the dangerous remnants left behind.
Looking Ahead
As Cambodia advances toward its long-term goal of becoming a country free from the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war, authorities say continued investment in clearance operations, public awareness, and victim assistance will remain essential.
They also renewed their call for greater international commitment to preventing future humanitarian suffering by promoting stronger global efforts against cluster munitions.
0 Comments