Cambodia Pushes for Mine-Free Status by 2030

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 19, 2025) — Cambodia is aiming to become mine-free by 2030, officials said, marking a milestone in the country’s decades-long struggle against landmines.

Ly Thuch, senior minister and first deputy head of the Cambodian Mine Authority, presided over the closing seminar of the “Clearance for Results” Project, Phase 4 (2020–2025). Since 2006, the project has cleared 418 square kilometers of mined land, benefiting 1.3 million people.

In the latest phase alone, 174 square kilometers were cleared, reaching more than 341,000 Cambodians. The program also provided victim assistance, explosive ordnance risk education and capacity-building initiatives.

Thuch praised the United Nations Development Program and international partners including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Luxembourg for their support, stressing the importance of global solidarity in addressing Cambodia’s humanitarian challenges.

He cautioned that land contamination, restricted areas and complex minefields remain major obstacles, and said sustained political will, resources and technical innovation are essential.

Achieving mine-free status, Thuch added, would mark a transition to a new phase requiring continuous management of remaining explosive ordnance and integration of mine action into national development plans.

He called on partners to continue supporting Cambodia in saving lives, restoring hope and promoting safe, sustainable development.