Cambodia Urges States to Uphold Ottawa Convention Principles

GENEVA (Dec. 2, 2025) — Cambodia called on all states that have signed the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention to uphold the treaty’s humanitarian principles and avoid actions that could undermine its spirit.

Speaking Monday during the 22nd Meeting of States Parties, Senior Minister Ly Thuch, who also serves as first vice president of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority, outlined the country’s progress on mine clearance and broader humanitarian mine action efforts.

Thuch said Cambodia expects all States Parties to refrain from seeking advantages or engaging in activities that run counter to the values of the Ottawa Convention.

He urged renewed collective efforts to meet the Convention’s Action Plan and implement the Siem Reap-Angkor Political Declaration, describing both as essential to removing the deadly legacy of past conflicts.

He highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to transparency and professionalism in its mine action program, noting the country has earned recognition for expertise in mine clearance, information management and long-term survivor support.

Thuch reaffirmed Cambodia’s pledge to strengthen national capacity, support victims and share technical experience with other affected countries, saying Cambodia stands ready to assist states that request help.

He added that some border regions in neighboring countries continue to face mine contamination comparable to Cambodia’s own experience.

Such areas pose risks to civilians and military personnel, he said, but stressed that Cambodia has sought to address similar challenges through cooperation, dialogue and technical solutions aimed at improving safety along shared borders.