The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) is set to declare Kratie province mine-free on March 26, making it the 15th administrative division to reach such a goal.
CMAA first vice-president Ly Thuch stated on March 25 that the province was a historic battlefield and a site of significance in the establishment of the United Front for the National Salvation of Kampuchea (UFNSK), which played a crucial role in toppling the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime.
He elaborated that since 2003, three operators – the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces (NPMEC), the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and international demining NGO Halo Trust – have cleared over 133sq km, equivalent to about 795 minefields.
Thuch said they have destroyed approximately 60,000 munitions, including landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), benefitting 400,000 people.
“Our mine clearance work is an historical achievement for the people of Kratie province as they are now free from the threat of landmines. Kratie is the 15th [administrative division] across the country to be declared mine-free,” he said.
He acknowledged that the achievement was made possible by the collective efforts of the people, leaders and the attention of the government, along with the support of the Mine-Free Cambodia 2025 Fund, the Samdech Techo Project for Mine Action (STP-MA), donors, friendly countries and development partners (DPs).
Thuch noted that administrative divisions declared as mine-free include the capital and 14 provinces: Stung Treng, Kep, Prey Veng, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Cham, Svay Rieng, Kampong Chhnang, Takeo, Kampot, Mondulkiri, Kampong Speu and now Kratie.
He said mine clearance operations are ongoing in the remaining 10 provinces: Siem Reap, Ratanakkiri, Battambang, Koh Kong, Pursat, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddor Meanchey, Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear.
According to Thuch, approximately 1,854sq km of the country are still contaminated, affecting about 1.1 million people.
“As the CMAA, we will continue to manage, lead and collaborate with relevant parties to push forward mine clearance operations to rid Cambodia of unexploded ordnance [UXO] in the future,” he asserted.
Thuch added that the authority would enhance community awareness regarding the dangers of landmines, cluster bombs and ERW, contributing to a reduction in the associated risks and impacts.
The CMAA reported that over the past 30 years, from 1992 to 2023, Cambodia has cleared 3,024sq km, uncovering over four million munitions. Approximately 11 million people have benefitted from the clearance effort.