The “Regional Workshop on Promoting Collaboration and Cooperation in Victim Assistance through Data Management” was held in Phnom Penh from December 17-19. Supplied
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), in collaboration with the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), concluded a three-day workshop in Phnom Penh aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and advancing victim assistance efforts.
Held from December 17-19, the “Regional Workshop on Promoting Collaboration and Cooperation in Victim Assistance through Data Management” marked a significant milestone under the “Enhance Victim Assistance Programme” funded by the South Korean government through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), according to a December 19 joint press release.
The release highlighted that the workshop brought together leaders, experts and humanitarian stakeholders from across ASEAN to finalise the “Regional Victim Assistance Guideline” and refine data-driven approaches to support survivors of explosive ordnance. These efforts were focused on fostering consistency, inclusivity and equity in victim assistance programmes across the region.
CMAA first vice-president Ly Thuch stressed the importance of human-centred solutions.
“Over the [past] three days, we focused on key elements that could drive meaningful change: strengthening collaboration across ASEAN and finalising regional guidelines for victim assistance. These guidelines were not mere documents; they represented a commitment to consistency, equity and excellence in how we supported victims across member states,” he was quoted as saying.
Speaking on behalf of Korean ambassador to Cambodia Park Jung-wook, first secretary of the Korean embassy in Cambodia Baek Sun-woo highlighted Korea’s contributions to the programme.
“Since 2021, Korea has been actively supporting the ‘Enhance Victim Assistance Programme' through over $2 million in contributions. Our collaboration through this programme represented a collective effort to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by communities affected by explosive ordnance,” she noted.
The workshop brought together leaders, experts and humanitarian stakeholders from across ASEAN to finalise the “Regional Victim Assistance Guideline”. Supplied
Soukinda Ounavong, second secretary of the Lao embassy in Phnom Penh, emphasised the impact of data in victim assistance.
“Data is not merely about efficiency or resources – it is a bridge to inclusivity, equity and informed decision-making. By finalising the Victim Assistance Network [VAN] and refining the Regional Victim Assistance Guideline, we built a cohesive framework that ensures survivors’ voices and needs are central to our efforts,” he explained.
ARMAC executive director Rothna Buth reflected on the progress achieved through regional collaboration.
“Over the past three years, our efforts transformed lives, trained hundreds of healthcare providers and built a strong Victim Assistance Network. Yet challenges remained. This workshop allowed us to refine strategies, leverage data and deliver better support to survivors,” she said.
The workshop agenda included country-led presentations on best practices and challenges in data management, discussions on data accuracy and sharing mechanisms and collaborative sessions to finalise the guideline. A field visit to a victim assistance facility on the final day provided participants with practical insights into applying data management systems to real-world scenarios.
With support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, CMAA and ARMAC, the workshop underscored Cambodia’s leadership in mine action and victim assistance. It also highlighted the power of regional partnerships in addressing the needs of survivors and advancing inclusive, data-driven solutions across ASEAN, according to the press release.
