Oddar Meanchey (FN), Feb. 22 – From 1992 to 2017, Cambodia had cleared more than 1,680 square kilometers of landmine for people to build houses, farmland, public infrastructures, destroyed over 3 million explosive remnants of war and reduced the number of victims from 4,320 in 1996 to 58 in 2017, according to Senior Minister Ly Thuch, 1st Vice-President of Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).

CMAA’s Vice President reported on Thursday during the 19th anniversary of National Mine Awareness Forum February 24, organized by mine authorities in cooperation with local authorities and mine action operators, and national and international organizations in Oddar Meanchey Water Festival with the participation of more than 1,300 people.

On this occasion, the senior minister also mentioned PM Hun Sen’s recommendations on providing free health care services to demining operators during the premier’s meeting with 15,197 garment workers in Phnom Penh’s Terk Thla on Wednesday.

On behalf of international operators such as CMAC, HALO Trust, MAG, NPA and the Cambodian Armed Forces, the Senior Ministers expressed his deepest gratitude to PM Hun Sen's effort to assist the demining operators.

The Senior Minister appealed to all citizens to educate their families and neighbors in accordance with the guidance of local authorities, organizations or operators and to educate newcomers or travelers.

Meanwhile, mine authorities shall respond effectively and timely to people's demands by collecting and destroying landmines and unexploded remnants reported by the people.

He also appealed to development partners, national and international organizations and the private sector to continue supporting both the spirit and materials in order to sustain the implementation of educational activities to reduce the risk from landmines and explosive remnants of war.

Senior Minister added that there are more than 1,970 square kilometers with approximately 877 square kilometers of land mine impact; 499 square kilometers of land affected by cluster munitions, and 333 square kilometers of land affected by explosive remnants of war that required about $406 million for the period from 2018 to 2025, according to the National Mine Action Strategic Plan 2018-2025.
=FRESH NEWS