Cambodia’s mine action authorities have expressed their condolences after a landmine explosion killed a six-year-old boy and injured his two young sisters in the remote northwestern province of Oddar Meanchey.
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) called on all parents and guardians to exercise increased caution and pay close attention to the safety of children.
Citing official reports, CMAC director-general Heng Ratana said on March 18 that the three children had accompanied their mother to work at a cassava plantation in Trapaing Brei commune in Anlong Veng district, formerly a Khmer Rouge stronghold. Their mother was busy working, and did not notice that the children had found an old landmine and were playing with it.
He explained that the children hit the mine with a stick or stone, triggering an explosion which killed the boy instantly and seriously wounded his two sisters.
Ratana noted that local residents often encountered explosive remnants of war (ERW), as the area was the scene of heavy fighting in the past.
“We regret that this tragedy occurred. We will continue to work hard to educate the residents of the area, so they are aware of the dangers posed by landmines and ERWs,” he said.
He added that CMAC demining operators are currently inspecting the plantation where the explosion took place, and would ensure that any remaining ordnance is removed and destroyed, in order to prevent further suffering.
Ratana explained that the search phase of the operation was still underway, so he could not yet confirm how many, if any, ERWs were discovered at the scene.
“I want to renew my calls for parents to educate their children about the serious risks associated with landmines. This is especially important if they bring their children to work in places which have not been declared secure by demining authorities,” he added.
The CMAA also expressed their deep regrets over the incident, reiterating that members of the public should report the discovery of landmines or ERWs to the authorities immediately.
“We appeal to all residents not to enter any area that they do not know whether it has been cleared. They should check if an area is safe with the local authorities, and if they see a mine or ERW, they should not touch it,” it said via a social media post.
Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the CMAA, said his organisation will continue to train demining operators and raise funds to find and destroy mines, in order to protect the public.
“We will soon rid the Kingdom of the scourge of landmines. In the interim, I urge our national operators and local authorities to spread awareness of the danger of landmines to all communities which may come into contact with RWs, so they learn to be wary of unsafe munitions,” he said.