Cambodia Clears 4 Million Mines, PM Urges Action

PHNOM PENH — More than three decades after the guns fell silent, Cambodia is still fighting a war against hidden explosives. Since 1992, the country has destroyed over 4.4 million landmines and cleared 3,541 square kilometres of contaminated land — but Prime Minister Hun Manet says the mission is far from over.

Speaking ahead of the 27th National Mine Awareness Day, Hun Manet reaffirmed that mine clearance remains a national priority, particularly in border provinces scarred by past conflicts. He warned that recent clashes along the Cambodian‑Thai frontier have left behind new dangers, including cluster munitions and grenades that continue to threaten civilians.

The progress so far has been striking. Once‑deadly fields have been transformed into farmland, roads, and community spaces. Government figures show that 78 per cent of cleared land is now used for agriculture, while the rest supports housing, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. Casualties have plummeted: from more than 4,300 deaths and injuries in 1996 to just 39 last year.

Cambodia’s demining expertise has also reached beyond its borders. Since 2006, more than 10,000 personnel have joined United Nations missions in countries from Lebanon to South Sudan, underscoring the nation’s growing role in global mine action. In 2024, Cambodia hosted the “Siem Reap–Angkor Summit on a Mine‑Free World,” further cementing its leadership in the field.

Yet Hun Manet stressed that the task is unfinished. He urged authorities to intensify clearance operations along the Thai border and expand mine‑risk education, especially for students and families in affected communities. He called for stronger coordination between ministries, local authorities, international partners, and donors to ensure reclaimed land can be safely used for farming, housing, and development.

“These efforts should contribute to the restoration of livelihoods and infrastructure affected by the Cambodian‑Thai border conflict,” he said, appealing for continued international support.

For Cambodia, the campaign against landmines is not only about safety. It is about restoring dignity, rebuilding communities, and securing a future where the scars of war no longer shape everyday life.

-2026-02-24