Cambodia Marks 27th National Mine Awareness Day, Calls for Continued Clearance Efforts

PHNOM PENH, 23 February 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia marked the 27th National Mine Awareness Day on Monday, with Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet urging citizens and authorities to remain vigilant against landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).

In a statement, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet highlighted the long-term dangers posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, which have killed or injured tens of thousands of Cambodians since decades of conflict. He said mine clearance has been central to national development and peacebuilding.

“Over the past 33 years, 3,541 square kilometres of land have been cleared for productive use, including agriculture, infrastructure and community facilities,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said. “More than 4.4 million mines and ERW have been destroyed, reducing annual civilian casualties from 4,320 in 1996 to 39 in 2025.”

He noted Cambodia’s international role in mine action, including hosting the 5th Review Meeting of the Ottawa Convention in 2024 and deploying over 10,000 personnel on UN peacekeeping missions in mine-affected countries such as Libya, South Sudan, Mali and Yemen.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also referenced the 2025 border conflict with Thailand, which saw landmines and explosives damage homes and infrastructure and force thousands to flee.

He called for ongoing clearance to make affected areas safe for communities to return and rebuild.

He urged government authorities, armed forces, mine operators, donor countries, development partners and the private sector to coordinate awareness campaigns, education programmes and clearance activities.

Citizens were reminded not to touch or tamper with mines or ERW and to report findings to local authorities.

The Prime Minister concluded by paying homage to King Norodom Sihamoni and the Royal Monks, reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving a “Cambodia free from mine and ERW impact.”