The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) have presented the results of a study on the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the first six months of the year, noting a 48 per cent reduction in the number of victims compared to the same period last year.

The June 28 report said 21 people became victims from January to June, while 40 people suffered the effects of mines and ERWs in the same period of 2022.

“Among the 21, three were killed, six were permanently disabled and 12 suffered moderate to major injuries,” it said.

Eight cases involved landmines, while the remainder were attributed to ERWs.

“Sixteen of the victims were adult men. Four male children and one woman also became victims,” added the report.

CMAA first vice-president Ly Thuch said the CMAA applauded the reduction.

He claimed that positive results came from the government’s efforts to educate the public about the dangers of mines and ERWs, work carried out by the CMAA in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, National Police, Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces (NPMEC) and local authorities.

“Local people seem to have a better understanding about the dangers of landmine, especially as Prime Minister Hun Sen publicises them through annual Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action,” said Thuch.

He added that the CMAA’s work to erect warning signs in places thought to be contaminated by mines and ERWs had also made a contribution to the fall in the number of victims.

“In summary, the decline is due to the efforts, financial and human resources that the government has been able to bring to bear on the issue, ever since peace was achieved,” he continued.

He said that regardless of the excellent results, the CMAA will continue its mine clearance and education programmes.

In the 30 years from 1992 to 2022, Cambodia cleared 2,579sq km of landmine and ERW-infested land, benefitting more than nine million people, said the CMAA.