The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cambodia congratulates the Royal Government of Cambodia on mobilizing vital funds from the private sector and the Cambodian Red Cross to support landmine clearance, as announced on 1 July 2022. 

Mine Action is more than just clearing contaminated land. It is about people and societies and their prospects for a dignified and prosperous life.

Today, throughout Cambodia, almost 1 million people are still at risk, living and working in contaminated areas where mines and explosive remnants of war continue to kill, injure, and traumatize communities; severely impeding the country’s recovery and development and constraining livelihoods in rural communities.

Under the leadership of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), tasked by the Royal Government of Cambodia to manage the funds, this support will accelerate the humanitarian - development - peace nexus by removing landmines that compromise socio-economic and psychosocial wellbeing and return safe land to communities for productive use, creating pathways for recovery efforts which enable social, economic, and environmental benefits. 

UNDP stands ready to continue supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia and the CMAA and looks forward to seeing the results of this great accomplishment, with hopes that such good practices can be shared during the celebration of 30 years of Mine Action in Cambodia, alongside upcoming regional and global events planned for this year on Mine Action. 

UNDP urges the continued participation of development partners and the private sector, as a key actor in national development, in the pursuit of a Mine-Free 2025, the 2030 Agenda and the imperative to Leave No One Behind.