LONDON, May 7 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
*
A total of 1,940,000squaremetresof land to be cleared of mines and explosive remnantsthrough therenewedfunding
*
More than 44,000 people to receive life-saving explosive ordnance risk education
*
Funding supports Cambodia's progress towards its 2030 mine-clearance obligations
Thousands of Cambodian farming families will live and work more safely as the UK renews its commitment to mine action in Cambodia, now in its fourth decade of support with an estimated total contribution of £65 million(over USD 85million).
This year, the UK Government is renewing a commitment of £1.6 million(USD2.1 million)for another year of mine clearance and risk education, contributing to increased community safety and enhanced livelihoods. Delivering through leading demining organisations HALO Trust (HALO), Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and APOPO;this funding will help clear mines, enabling the safe return of communities and productive use of land in conflict-affected areas.MAG and APOPO willcontinue tofurther support the local organisationsMlupBaitongand the Cambodian Institute for Research and Rural Development (CIRD), respectively, to deliverpost‑landrelease livelihoodsand sequenced agriculturalsupport.
From 2026 to 2027, HALO and MAG's total land release target is 890,300 square metres across Battambang, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin,Pursat, and Koh Kong provinces, directlybenefiting5,414 individuals. This includes landmine, cluster munitions remnants, and other explosive ordnance clearance, contributing to safe and productive land use and improved environmental outcomes.HALO and MAG will provide more than 4,000 Explosive Ordnance Risk Education sessions through a variety of channels, reaching more than 44,280 people,including over 8,000 women and 12,000 girls.
The UK is also supporting APOPO and its partner,CIRDto deliver the Minefields toRice fields(M2R) project, integrating mine action with regenerative agricultural development.From 2026 - 2027,APOPO will release1,050,000square metres of land. A minimum of 500 farmer households will benefit directlywith a minimum 45% participation of women and20% youth, alongside an estimated 500 or moreadditionalhouseholds benefiting indirectly through seed banks, other project elements, or selected training.The project is delivered in close partnership with theCambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA), whose engagement is key to its success.Ourcollaborationwith CMAAhelpstostrengthennational ownership and ensures that communitiesare able tobenefit sustainably from cleared landin the long-term.
British Ambassador to Cambodia, Dominic Williams MBE, said:
The UK and Cambodia share a strongand broadpartnership, spanningsecurity,developmentand shared prosperity.As part of this, theUKhas prioritisedsupport for deminingfor over 30 years,in partnership with the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA),preciselybecause we believenocommunity shouldcontinue tolive in fear of landmines.The scale of the challenge in Cambodiaissignificant, andcontinued investment in mine actionremainsessential tosecuresafe land, economicrecoveryand lasting confidence.
In renewing our funding, we commendCambodia'ssustainedcommitmentand the brave work of Cambodian deminers in the field.Wehopeour effortswill support the safe return of displaced people and strengthen protection for border communities at a time of heightened tension.
This renewed funding will continue tohelp Cambodians reclaim cleared land, working with Cambodian NGOs to support small business development as well as training in innovative agricultural techniques.It is also crucial in directly supporting Cambodia's progress towards fulfilling its Article 5 clearance obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention by 31 December 2030,a treaty the UK helped found as one of its original signatories in 1997.
H.E.Dr.LyThuch, SeniorMinisterand First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA)said:
Still going strong' is more than a theme. It reflects four decades of unwavering partnership. The United Kingdom stood with Cambodia when we needed it most, and it continues to stand with us today.For 33years of cooperation have taken us beyond partnership. Today, Cambodia and the United Kingdom aretrue friends, united by a shared commitment to humanity and dignity.
Behind every contribution are lives transformed,a child walking safely to school, a family returning home, a community restored. That is the true measure ofmineaction. Cambodia is now in thefinal chapterof its mine action journey. Our commitment is clear: by 2030, no Cambodian community will live under the threat of explosive remnants of war.
This commitment reflects the UK government's Plan for Change vision of building international stability and expanding opportunity for communities most affected by conflict.
Notes to Editors
*
Cambodia is contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW)as a result ofapproximately 30 years of armed conflict, starting with the Cambodian Civil War in 1967 and ending in 1998.
*
According to the Mine Action Review, Cambodia currently has an estimated 524 square kilometres of remaining contamination.
*
The UK has funded mine clearance operations in Cambodia for over 33 years.
*
HALO and MAG areoperatingunder the FCDO's Global Mine Action Programme 3 Multi-Country Contract. APOPO is delivering the Minefields toRicefieldsproject, combining mine action and agricultural development to ensure land release and agricultural programming remain tightly coordinated.
*
As one of the founding signatories to the Mine Ban Treaty in 1997, the UK has hada major rolein tackling the legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war. Since the treaty was signed, UK Government aid has made a substantial contribution to the peace and wellbeing of millions of people around the world.
For media inquiries, please contact: ukincambodia@fcdo.gov.uk
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
