Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 6 – The Government of Japan, through its Embassy in Cambodia, has agreed to provide a grant aid totalling USD 1,302,539 to humanitarian and mine clearance organisations under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects.
The grant agreement was signed on 5 February 2025, by Ueno Atsushi, Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, and representatives of the Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS) at the Embassy of Japan.
The funding will be allocated to the following projects:
1. Promoting Reconstruction Support with Demining in Banteay Meanchey (PRDB Project) has been allocated USD 654,402, with JMAS as the recipient. Under this project, JMAS will clear 100 hectares of land contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) while transferring effective and safe demining techniques to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre’s (CMAC). In addition to demining efforts, the project will provide landmine risk education and support local farmers in developing model farms on cleared land through training in rice cultivation techniques.
2. Promoting Reconstruction Support with Cluster Munitions Disposal in Stung Treng (PRCS Project) has been granted USD 648,137, also implemented by JMAS. This project aims to clear 240 hectares of cluster munition-contaminated land while equipping CMAC with advanced clearance methods. Additionally, the project will provide landmine risk education to local residents and agricultural training to farmers to improve land use and productivity.
On this occasion, Ambassador Ueno Atsushi underlined the significance of Japan’s long-standing support through the Japanese NGO project "N-ren," which was launched in 2002 to assist Japanese NGOs in implementing economic and social development projects in developing countries. Over the past two decades, the Embassy of Japan has supported more than 160 projects in Cambodia through this initiative, directly contributing to improving the livelihoods of the Cambodian people.
The ambassador underscored, “The Japanese Government will provide approximately USD 1.3 million for two projects implemented by JMAS in Banteay Meanchey and Stung Treng provinces. Since 2002, JMAS has worked closely with CMAC to support landmine and UXO clearance efforts in Cambodia. I would like to express my deep respect for the vital work that JMAS has accomplished.”
Beyond demining activities, these projects will also include disaster prevention education and agricultural assistance. Japan hopes that these initiatives will help reduce human suffering caused by landmines and UXO, improve the safety and well-being of affected communities, and contribute to the Royal Government of Cambodia’s goal of achieving a mine-free country.
Ambassador Ueno Atsushi further acknowledged Cambodia’s rapid development in recent years but noted that challenges remain, particularly in mine clearance, poverty reduction, and social development in areas such as health, education, and environmental protection. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to working with international NGOs to address these issues and support Cambodia’s ongoing progress.
=FRESH NEWS
