Phnom Penh, 1 April 2025—The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), the Government of Luxembourg, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a new partnership for a mine-free Cambodia. Accordingly, the Government of Luxembourg will contribute EUR 2 million to the Clearing for Results project, joining other development partners, namely, Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea.

The signing ceremony held at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Guillaume, the Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg, His Excellency Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg, His Excellency Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of CMAA, and Ms. Alissar Chaker, UNDP Resident Representative in Cambodia.

H.E. Xavier Bettel said: “Landmines trap affected regions in cycles of poverty, and their destructive consequences last long after conflicts end, causing horrific injuries and death generations later. Farmers in Cambodia are among the most affected, as contaminated land remains unusable, limiting agricultural production and economic activity. Therefore, successful demining operations in Cambodia contribute directly to sustainable development and to reaching Cambodia’s national SDG 18: the clearance of landmines and explosive remnants of war. For that reason, Luxembourg is very glad to be able to join the efforts for a Mine-Free Cambodia.”

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch highlighted the transformative power of mine clearance, stating: “Each mine removed not only eliminates a threat but also restores dignity, rebuilds confidence, and opens new possibilities. This agreement strengthens Cambodia’s mine action efforts.” He also emphasized Prime Minister Hun Manet’s steadfast commitment to a Mine/ERW-Impact-Free Cambodia, noting that the Prime Minister’s leadership has made mine action a key part of the country’s development strategy. On behalf of the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia, Dr. Ly Thuch expressed gratitude to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for its generosity, which honors Cambodia’s resilience and underscores their shared commitment to a safer, mine-free future.

Ms. Alissar Chaker stated, “The Clearing for Results project has been supporting mine action in Cambodia for nearly 20 years, contributing significantly to land clearance and release for safe use, particularly in the most affected northwestern provinces. This accounts for over 12% of the total sector results. It also supports the development of national capacities to plan, regulate, coordinate, and monitor mine action, implements explosive ordnance risk education, and assists survivors and their families in accessing much-needed rehabilitation services and livelihood opportunities. She thanked Australia, Luxembourg, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea for their trust in UNDP and their continued commitment to a future in Cambodia free of land mines.”