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Phnom Penh, 30 January—The Government of Australia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a new Contribution Agreement to support the Royal Government of Cambodia's efforts to become mine-free by 2030. The Government of Australia allocated an additional AUD 2 million to the Clearing for Results Project, implemented by CMAA and UNDP.
The signing ceremony, held at the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) office in Phnom Penh, was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of CMAA, His Excellency Mr. Derek Yip, Ambassador of Australia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Ms. Alissar Chaker, UNDP Resident Representative in Cambodia.
His Excellency Dr. Ly Thuch said that Australia and UNDP have been key partners in Cambodia’s mine action efforts, with Australia contributing over 100 million AUD since the 1990s, including more than 35 million USD to the Clearing for Results project. He continued, “UNDP’s long-standing support has strengthened Cambodia’s mine action sector, enabling the clearance of 384 square kilometers of land and transforming hazardous areas into thriving communities.”
His Excellency Dr. Ly Thuch honored Cambodia’s deminers, whose bravery and sacrifice have been instrumental in ensuring the country’s safety, and welcomed Australia’s renewed commitment of 2 million AUD, further advancing the shared vision of a Mine/ERW Free Cambodia.
His Excellency Mr. Derek Yip said, “Australia has been a longstanding and proud partner of Cambodia, providing support for mine action since the early 1990s. From 2006 the cornerstone of this partnership has been the Clearing for Results project. More than just clearing landmines, this project has transformed lives – supporting landmine survivors and making land safe for Cambodians to build a brighter future on.”
Ms. Alissar Chaker said, “UNDP values the long-standing partnership with Australia on the Clearing for Results project, which releases landmine and Explosive Remnants of war-contaminated land for safe use by communities, educates people on risks, and supports victims in accessing rehabilitation services and rebuilding their lives. UNDP remains committed to accompanying the Royal Government of Cambodia in closing the sad chapter of the conflict.”
The Clearing for Results Project - Phase IV (2020-2025), funded by Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, UNDP and the Royal Government of Cambodia, has been supporting mine clearance operations, mine risk education, and victim assistance. Since 2006, the project has supported the release of more than 384 square kilometers of land (over 12% of the whole sector’s achievement) for safe use and local development, benefiting more than 1.2 million people.
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For media inquiries, please contact Ms. Chhunmuoy Ath, Communications Analyst at communications.kh@undp.org
UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network advocating for change and connecting governments, the private sector and civil society to knowledge, experience, and resources to end the injustice of poverty and inequality, accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen good governance and peace, and promote nature-based solutions and climate resilience. Present in over 170 countries and territories, we assist nations to implement their solutions for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the people, the planet, and their prosperity. Learn more at https://www.undp.org/cambodia or follow us at @UNDPCambodia.