AKP Phnom Penh, February 24, 2026 --

Senior Minister H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), declared on Tuesday that mine clearance is fundamentally about "restoring livelihoods and protecting human dignity."

Representing Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch presided over the 27th National Mine Awareness Day in Pursat province.

Held under the theme "Together for the Safety of Displaced Persons and Communities," the event drew a wide array of stakeholders, including Pursat Governor H.E. Khoy Rida, foreign diplomats, development partners, and demining operators.

"Mine clearance is not merely a technical task; it is the restoration of life," H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch said during the keynote address. "To restore a livelihood is to protect the dignity of our people. Our mission extends beyond removing explosives to ensuring the full rehabilitation, inclusion, and social participation of landmine survivors."

The Senior Minister emphasised that the Royal Government of Cambodia continues to view mine action as a critical pillar of national peace, human security, and sustainable development. He noted that while progress has been significant, the day serves as a vital reminder that the threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) persists, and public awareness remains a life-saving necessity.

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch expressed profound gratitude to international donors and development partners, crediting their sustained support for transforming once-lethal landscapes into "lands of opportunity" for Cambodian citizens.

On behalf of the Royal Government, the Senior Minister issued a call to action for the international community and the private sector to continue providing the financial and material resources necessary to achieve a mine-free Cambodia. He urged all sectors to remain united in building a society where communities can live without the fear of remnants of war.

The National Mine Awareness Day is observed annually on Feb. 24 to bolster efforts toward the country's ambitious goal of becoming mine-free.

By K. Rithy Reak