CMAA’s Ly Thuch (lower left, facing away) at the residence of the British ambassador on July 21. PHOTO SUPPLIED
The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has outlined initial work plans and the budget requirements for Cambodia to clear all landmines by 2025, the goal set by the head of government.
CMAA first vice-president Ly Thuch attended a Cambodia mine action coffee briefing at the official residence of the British ambassador to Cambodia on July 21, when he shared information related to the Samdech Techo project for mine action to donor countries and development partners.
“I informed the donor communities that the CMAA has carried out extensive studies and made a clear plan to use the budget from donors and funds from the Samdech Techo project for mine clearance activities. The plan means there will be no overlap of the work,” said Thuch.
Thuch requested that all donor communities continue to support demining work in accordance with the priority goals set by the government.
He said the donors offered their strong appreciation for the government and the way it was paying close attention to addressing mine action in the Kingdom. They supported the goal of a mine-free Cambodia by 2025, and were pleased with the implementation of the Samdech Techo project for mine action, with its slogan “Providing Safe Ground, Creating Smiles”.
In addition, the donor community supported the government’s plan to prioritise demining operations in urban locations and those related to tourism and development.
Thuch added that Japan will provide funds to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) to make Battambang province – a former Khmer Rouge stronghold – mine free by 2025. CMAC had also received Japanese funding for a smaller operation in Oddar Meanchey province.
He said negotiations were ongoing between CMAC and Japan to clear Pursat and Pailin provinces. If successful, the two provinces will be made mine free by the government’s deadline.
Thuch added that with funds from China, CMAC is also operating in small areas of Preah Vihear, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom provinces. It is also cooperating with the international NGO APOPO to clear areas in Preah Vihear, with negotiations ongoing between CMAC and China to secure more funds.
“I would like to ask Japan and China to consider CMAC’s requests favourably, for the US and UK to extend their funding to the Mines Advisory Group and for the US, UK, Switzerland, Germany and Ireland to continue to support HALO. With the funding secured, these operators will be ready to work towards 2025. I am always ready to assist in drawing up these agreements,” he added.
The authority also requested support for the humanitarian mine action teams of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC-ERW). Additional training and equipment would ensure their demining operations remain safe and of a high standard.
So far, thanks to contributions by the Cambodian Red Cross, the private sector and assorted philanthropists, the Samdech Techo Project for Mine Action has received approximately $18 million in funds for mine clearance. Prime Minister Hun Sen established the project in early July.
