Cambodia Urges Global Action on Cluster Munitions

GENEVA (Dec.4,2025)— Cambodia reiterated its commitment to international mine-action cooperation while expressing regret over what it described as Thailand’s violations of Ottawa Convention principles.

Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, made the remarks during an event titled Strengthening International Cooperation Through Capacity Development for a Mine-Free World.

In his opening statement, Thuch highlighted Cambodia’s transformation from a country heavily affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war into a leading nation in mine action.

He said Cambodia now supports other countries facing similar challenges, drawing on its experience and understanding of the humanitarian impact of mines.

Addressing border tensions, Thuch claimed Thailand had used alleged mine-related incidents to level accusations against Cambodia without proper investigation, which he said put civilians near the frontier at risk.

He described the actions as violations of Ottawa Convention principles and the spirit of cooperation among state parties. Cambodia, he added, remains ready to cooperate fully to resolve issues and ensure peace and stability.

Thuch also called for stronger international condemnation of cluster munitions, saying such weapons pose long-term dangers to civilians even when deployed by states not party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

“The use of cluster munitions constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and must be strongly condemned, particularly when used against civilians,” he said.

Cambodia expressed concern over what it says was the use of cluster munitions by the Thai military during border clashes in July 2025. Thailand has not publicly confirmed the allegation.

Thuch said the claimed use created long-term risks for border communities, noting that unexploded submunitions continue to threaten civilians, including children. Cambodian officials said a young man was recently killed after coming into contact with an unexploded submunition.

The Geneva event focused on capacity development under Article 5 of the Ottawa Convention, promoting international cooperation and partnerships to achieve a mine-free world.

Speakers included representatives from Norwegian People’s Aid, the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, the National Mine Action Authority of Colombia, Japan’s Weapons Management Unit and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center.