Mine Action is the Core of National Development, a Commitment to the People and a Promise to Future Generations
Phnom Penh: His Excellency Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Deputy Chairman of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority, said that mine action is not a secondary task, but is the core of national development, a commitment to the Cambodian people and a promise to future generations.
This statement was made on behalf of the high representative of Samdech Maha Bovorathi Hun Manet, Prime Minister, at the official launch of the “National Policy on Mine Action 2026-2035” at the Council of Ministers on September 2, 2026.
His Excellency Dr. Ly Thuch emphasized that mine action is considered by the Royal Government as an important part of the national development strategy, in conjunction with food security, rural development, poverty reduction, infrastructure construction and improving the quality of life of citizens.
His Excellency stressed that peace is the foundation of mine action and expressed deep gratitude to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the Father of Peace, who led the country to peace, stability, solidarity and development, and established a solid foundation for the clearance of mines and explosive remnants of war.
Under this foundation of peace, Cambodia has transformed a land once full of mines and dangers into a land of hope, dignity and opportunity. Over the past three decades, the clearance of mines and explosive remnants of war has significantly reduced the impact on the people, and the cleared land is being used for agriculture, education, infrastructure and investment, etc.
His Excellency Dr. Ly Thuch also expressed his gratitude to Samdech Moha bovor thibdey Hun Manet, Prime Minister, for his strong attention and support to the mine action sector to protect the lives and dignity of the people and contribute to socio-economic development.
H.E. stated that the new national policy has brought about a significant change: success is measured not only by the area cleared, but also by what people can build and gain from the cleared land.
At the same time, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch expressed his deep gratitude to donor countries, development partners, mine action operators, civil society, the private sector, philanthropists and all stakeholders who have contributed to this humanitarian mission. The support and participation of all parties has directly contributed to protecting people’s lives, addressing the legacy of war and opening up opportunities for local development.
H.E. called on all stakeholders to continue to accompany Cambodia in the final stages of mine clearance, which is complex and requires a lot of resources, in order to achieve the goal of a Cambodia free from the effects of mines and explosive remnants of war.
Finally, H.E. stressed that the vision of the national policy is to build a “Cambodia free from the effects of explosive ordnance” with sustainable livelihoods, peace, stability and development. This goal can be achieved through a shared commitment to complete the mission that Cambodia has begun over three decades ago.
Also on the occasion, there were congratulatory messages from representatives of donor countries, development partners and the private sector to the Royal Government of Cambodia for preparing the National Mine Action Policy 2026-2035, which is an important strategic document and reflects Cambodia’s vision.
Representatives of donor countries, development partners and the private sector highly appreciated the achievements of mine action, and reiterated their contributions and commitment to continue supporting the goal of a Cambodia free from explosive ordnance.
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