Cambodia Seeks Continued Norwegian Support for Mine Action

GENEVA (Dec.5,2015) — Cambodia pressed for continued Norwegian backing of its mine-clearance efforts while showcasing its role as a key actor in the Ottawa Convention, officials said.

Ly Thuch, first deputy of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority, met with Anne Karine Jahren, senior adviser on humanitarian policy at Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Geneva on Dec. 3.

Thuch thanked Norway for its long-term support, noting its assistance in clearing mines in Kep province, the first in Cambodia to be declared mine-free. He highlighted Cambodia’s contributions to global mine action, including sharing expertise with Colombia and Ukraine, and urged further cooperation to expand these efforts.

He also pointed to ongoing challenges in border areas affected by Thai-laid explosive remnants, stressing Cambodia’s responsibility to ensure safe resettlement and restore daily life for affected communities.

Jahren praised Cambodia’s “ownership of the process” and effective coordination in mine action, describing the country as a significant participant in shaping policy under the Ottawa Convention.

Cambodia has prepared its 2026–2035 National Mine Action Policy and pledged to meet targets set in the Siem Reap–Angkor Action Plan 2025–2029.