Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 24 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a congratulatory message on the 26th anniversary of National Mine Awareness Day.

On the occasion of the 26th anniversary, the premier made the following appeals:

1. Ministries, relevant institutions, territorial authorities at all levels, all armed forces, and both national and international operators must actively promote awareness of the dangers of landmines, cluster munitions, and explosive remnants of war. This should be done through direct educational activities in communities, schools, and monasteries, as well as through the implementation of safe village, commune, and sanctuary policies; enforcement of laws regulating weapons, explosives, and ammunition; incorporation of relevant curriculum in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports; and widespread dissemination via radio, television, social media, billboards, and leaflets.

2. Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA) should continue coordinating with national and international partners to identify areas at risk from mines, cluster munitions, and explosive remnants of war, provide timely education and prevention measures, and develop more effective, context-specific educational messages and methods.

3. Donor countries and development partners must maintain support for mine clearance activities, cluster munition removal, disaster risk reduction education, and rescue efforts for individuals affected by these explosives.

4. CMAA along with relevant ministries, institutions, donor countries, and development partners, should continue to mobilise resources in innovative ways. This includes encouraging participation from the private sector and philanthropists to achieve the goal of a Cambodia free of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

In addition, Prime Minister Hun Manet called on all citizens to adhere to the following guidelines:

- If you encounter mines, cluster munitions, or explosive remnants of war, do not touch, dig, burn, or throw them, as these actions can cause accidents, disabilities, or fatalities. Instead, immediately report the situation to the appropriate local or national authorities or the nearest mine clearance operator.

- It is illegal to buy, sell, store, or process mines, cluster munitions, or explosive remnants of war.

- Avoid using or entering areas that are known or suspected to contain mines, cluster munitions, or explosive remnants of war.
=FRESH NEWS