Mine Action Transforms Cambodia: From Fear to Hope, Says Senior Minister

PHNOM PENH, September 3, 2026 – Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority Dr. Ly Thuch has highlighted the profound impact of mine action in transforming Cambodia, noting that land once feared and abandoned is now being used for farming, schools, and investment.

Speaking at the official launch of the National Policy on Mine Action 2026–2035 on September 2, Dr. Ly Thuch, representing Prime Minister Hun Manet, reflected on the devastation caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war after the conflict ended.

"Farmers could not cultivate the land. Children could not walk to school. Entire communities were surrounded by dangerous land, and people could only stand and gaze at fertile soil from a distance," he said.

Over more than three decades, Cambodia has cleared thousands of kilometres of contaminated land. Casualty rates have dropped significantly, and land that was once feared is now productive. Cleared areas are being used for agriculture, schools, and investment.

The new national policy aims to build on these achievements and work toward a Cambodia free from the impact of explosive remnants of war.

— Source: Cambodian Mine Action Authority

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Reported by The Khmer Today