A CMAC excavator clears land at a high school in Kratie province’s Trapeang Pring village, where 2,286 UXOs were discovered in August. CMAC
Cambodia is to host the Third Global Conference on Assistance to the Victims of Anti-Personnel Mines and Other Explosive Ordnance in a Disability Rights Context from October 17-19 in Phnom Penh, with another major event set to take place in Siem Reap next year.
Ly Thuch, the first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), stated in an interview with state-run National Television of Cambodia (TVK) that the conference would be attended by representatives from 45 embassies, international NGOs and development partners.
He emphasised hosting the global-level conference underscores Cambodia’s dedication to upholding the principles of the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines while requiring their destruction.
Thuch stated that the forthcoming conference follows those hosted by Colombia in 2014 and Jordan in 2019.
Cambodia will serve as the host country, facilitated by the CMAA, with financial backing from a global project endorsed by the Council of the EU.
“This conference aims to enhance the implementation of the Oslo Action Plan (OAP) within the framework of the Ottawa Treaty.
“It offers an opportunity for treaty members to report on their progress regarding the action plan.
“Additionally, it provides a platform for survivors, individuals with disabilities due to mines and remnants of war, as well as NGOs, to voice their perspectives,” Thuch said.
According to Thuch, the comments and input from this conference will play a significant role in shaping a new action plan.
The plan is expected to gain approval at the Fifth Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty: Siem Reap Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World scheduled for December 2024.
He said that next year’s summit anticipates the participation of around 200 member states and monitoring member states.
Thuch also noted that Cambodia, a country affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war, has actively engaged in discussions regarding survivor support under the terms of the Ottawa Treaty since 1997.
The commitment led to Cambodia becoming a member state in 2000.
Throughout the discussions, the Kingdom has underscored providing care, rehabilitation and integrating survivors into social and economic activities.
