CAMBODIA TRANSFORMS DEADLY MINEFIELDS INTO PROSPEROUS RICE TERRACES

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, Nov 25  (Bernama) -- Cambodia’s strong will to transform the once-feared minefields into lush green rice fields depicts its tenacity to vanquish its past conflict adversities and emerge as a vibrant economy in Southeast Asia.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the former minefield has transformed into fertile land for agriculture,  urbanisation, and development, helping millions of people to shed poverty.

He was speaking on Monday at the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on Mine-Free World, the name given to the Fifth Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on Their Destruction, reported Fresh News.

“About 80 per cent of the cleared land area is used for agriculture, the remaining land is used for housing and development, including the construction of major infrastructure to enhance connectivity across the country. This has contributed to our economic growth to this day,” the online news portal quoted the premier.  

“In addition, it has enabled millions of tourists, including investors to visit Cambodia. Cambodia has turned its tragic history into a powerful lesson for the world by advocating against the use of anti-personnel mines and highlighting the long-term consequences of landmines. 

“Our expertise is well-received in other countries facing similar challenges, including Ukraine, Afghanistan Armenia, Azerbaijan and ASEAN member states,” said Hun Manet. 

However, he said that Cambodia needs to clear more than 1,600 square kilometres (sq km) of landmines, which could affect about one million people in these areas.

The Cambodian government teamed up with foreign experts to neutralise thousands of destructive landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW), buried by the Khmer Rouge regime, to restore the land for productive use.

When Cambodia hosts the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit from 24-29 November, it will be another show of unity, nation-building, and its long successful mine-clearing campaign.

Nearly 3,000 sq km of land has been cleared from landmines and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO).

Over 500 representatives are attending the important conference highlighting the dangers of landmines impacting rural societies. 

"The 5th Review Conference on Mine Action has the potential to send a strong and urgent signal to the international community about the enduring dangers of anti-personnel landmines and other explosive remnants of war. 

“By bringing together state parties, civil society organisations and experts, the conference serves as a powerful platform,” APOPO Programme Manager of Cambodia, Michael Raine, told Bernama. 

APOPO, an international organisation, trains rats and dogs to detect landmines and tuberculosis, and is active in clearing mines. It has been operating in Cambodia since 2014. 

According to the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, 65,072 explosive ordnance casualties were recorded from January 1979 to June 2024.

Raine said Cambodia will require sustained global support, increased funding, and enhanced training for demining personnel to continue to remove the remnants of war buried underground. 

“To fully recover, Cambodia needs continued international support to achieve its mine-free target, enabling communities to rebuild their lives, unlock economic potential, and move forward without the constant shadow of unexploded devices.

“Empowering local communities with risk education and victim assistance and involving them in clearance efforts can also accelerate progress. 

“Despite the challenges, Cambodia remains committed to achieving its mine impact-free by 2030, and continues to make strides forward in its mine action efforts,” said Raine. 

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Executive Secretary, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, urged global communities to mobilise resources and expand mine action efforts to support countries impacted by these lethal weapons.

“In the face of new and ongoing conflicts, we must ensure that our commitments translate into practical, sustained support for countries in need. 

“I call on member states, development partners and relevant stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and forge new partnerships to fulfil the promise of the Ottawa Convention,” she said at the Siem Reap Conference, according to Fresh News.

-- BERNAMA