AKP Phnom Penh February 23, 2026 --

On the occasion of the 27th Anniversary of National Mine Awareness Day, to be observed on Feb. 24, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has issued a call to action. 

The Premier urged all relevant ministries and institutions, authorities at all levels, all branches of the armed forces, and national and international operators to significantly step up their efforts. The goal is to intensify the dissemination of knowledge regarding the dangers posed by landmines, explosive remnants of war, and cluster munitions to the public, students, and youth living in affected communities.

In a signed message to mark the 27th National Mine Awareness Day, shared on social media today, the Prime Minister provided specific recommendations for enhancing mine risk education. These include direct educational activities in communities, schools, and pagodas; the continued implementation of the Safe Village-Commune policy; the enforcement of the law on the management of weapons, explosives, and ammunition; integrating the topic into the curriculum of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport; and utilising widespread public outreach through radio, television, social media, billboards, and informational pamphlets.

The Prime Minister further instructed the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority to lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, institutions, local authorities, national and international operators, donor countries, development partners, the private sector, and philanthropists. This collaboration aims to prevent accidents among the population and to provide safe land for farming, housing construction, schools, hospitals, administrative buildings, and infrastructure. A particular focus is on contributing to the rehabilitation of livelihoods and infrastructure damaged during past border conflicts, notably with Thailand. This will be achieved through the continued survey and clearance of landmines and explosive remnants of war, risk education, and victim assistance.

Additionally, the Prime Minister called upon donor countries, development partners, the private sector, and philanthropists to continue their collaboration with Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority to support these vital activities. Their ongoing contribution is essential for reducing accidents, restoring the dignity of affected individuals, and building a prosperous future for all Cambodians.

Samdech Thipadei also encouraged donor countries, development partners, the private sector, philanthropists, and all stakeholders to join hands with the Royal Government of Cambodia to achieve the overarching goal of "Towards a Cambodia free of the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war."

The Prime Minister also appealed to all citizens to adhere to the following safety measures: If you or your children spot a mine, explosive remnant of war, or cluster munition, do not approach, touch, strike, burn, or throw it, as doing so could cause injury, disability, or loss of life. Immediately report it to the competent authorities, local authorities, or the nearest demining operator.

It is strictly prohibited to transport, store, buy, sell, or tamper with landmines or explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions, as these are illegal acts. Furthermore, do not use or enter land that is not clearly identified or is suspected of being contaminated by landmines, cluster munitions, or other explosive remnants of war.

By K. Rithy Reak