31/08/2023 Cambogia (Cambodia)
“If you ever come across anything suspicious like this item, please do not pick it up, contact your local law and/or enforcement agency for assistance”.
Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), emphasised on August 25 the vital role of education in mitigating the risks posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). He highlighted the ongoing commitment of the CMAA, along with mine action operators and stakeholders, to raise public awareness and vigilance. Over the past 30 years, in collaboration with development partners and “friendly” nations, the government has consistently led ERW eradication efforts, achieving significant milestones in promoting the “Safe Ground, Creating Smiles” ideal among local communities. “Apart from demining, educating about mines and unexploded ordnance [UXO] is of paramount importance to minimise casualties,” Thuch said. The CMAA reported that, by 2022, over 5 million individuals had been reached with awareness messages about the dangers related to the issue, spread by operators, the community education network and relevant authorities. The number of casualties has drastically dropped from 4,320 in 1996 to an average of fewer than 100 per year over the past decade. Despite continuous demining efforts, the risks persist due to various factors such as handling ammunition, observing others interact with UXOs, land clearing, logging, foraging, farming, forest fires and traversing unfamiliar terrain. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, the government remains resolutely committed to eliminating explosive devices in the Kingdom by 2025, ensuring a landmine-free Cambodia 2025, as affirmed by Thuch. The CMAA revealed that between July 1979 and July 2023, there were 65,028 casualties due to ERW and UXO, including 7,503 children. Notably, the first seven months of 2023 witnessed a 43 per cent reduction in victims, with 23 incidents, compared to the 40 recorded during the same period in 2022.
Photo-Source: phnompenhpost.com
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