Japanese foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa tries out a mine detector during her July 6 visit to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) on July 6. CMAC
Japan will send heavy demining equipment to Ukraine this week, as a part of its humanitarian assistance to the war-torn European nation. Two demining initiatives were announced by Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa during her July 5-6 visit to the Kingdom.
Ukrainian personnel are expected to receive training in Cambodia on the operation of the equipment, she explained during a visit to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC).
“As part of concrete cooperation under the Japan-Cambodia Landmine Initiative, Japan will provide full-scale assistance for humanitarian mine action in Ukraine.
“Next week, we will provide Ukraine with a large demining machine, and next month, here in Cambodia, we will train Ukrainian personnel on how to operate the machine,” said Kamikawa, as she announced “Japan's Comprehensive Package of Assistance to Humanitarian Mine Action” and the launch of the “Japan-Cambodia Landmine Initiative” during her July 6 visit to CMAC.
She regarded the mine action package as part of Japan’s vision for its assistance to humanitarian mine action around the world, said a press lease from the Japanese embassy in Cambodia.
Through the package, Japan will implement assistance based on three approaches: Triangular cooperation with Cambodia as a hub; strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries and international organisations; and utilisation of the latest science, technology and innovation.
According to the notes on the package, Cambodia will serve as a hub to assist third countries affected by mine contamination through the promotion of knowledge-sharing and training, utilising the expertise that has been gained from past experiences of cooperation on mine action.
“Japan will strengthen cooperation on mine action with like-minded countries and international organisations and advance more effective and efficient mine action, taking advantage of opportunities such as international conferences on mine action in Ukraine,” it said.
Japan will use science and technology developed by Japanese companies, such as mine detectors and mine-predicting AI technology, to help countries which are affected.
For Cambodia, Kamikawa said that the “Japan-Cambodia Landmine Initiative” will embody the above-mentioned comprehensive package in cooperation with Cambodia.
The initiative will see Japan strengthening cooperation under four pillars; increased awareness of the inhumanity of landmines and the building of international momentum for mine reduction; creation within the relevant Cambodian organisation of an international cooperation team for a world free from landmines; Japan-Cambodia cooperation to support humanitarian mine action in third countries; and the development of new equipment using the latest technologies.
Kamikawa regarded Cambodia as one of the world leaders in humanitarian mine action, with steady progress in mine clearance in its own territory.
“While presenting Japan’s Comprehensive Package of Assistance for Humanitarian Mine Action to the affected countries, like-minded countries, and international organisations, we will work together with these partners to provide more effective support.
“We must not forget the problem of unexploded ordnance (UXO) used in war as well as mines. The technology for such weapons is constantly advancing, but the technology for protecting civilians is also in the process of developing,” she said.
She added that Japan will also employ the latest technology to produce prosthetic and orthotic items needed by those who have lost limbs to mines, and that technology which utilises AI will also be used for mine detection.
Heng Ratana, CMAC general-director, said CMAC supports the two initiatives.
“With the launch of the Japan-Cambodia Landmine Initiative, I strongly hope that the government and the people of Japan will continue to support Cambodia and CMAC’s landmine and UXO clearance efforts, ensuring safety for the Cambodian people and supporting the Kingdom’s economy development.
“We are happy to share our experiences with all countries affected by landmines and UXOs, in line with the policy of the government,” he said.
