Norwegian People’s Aid explores more funding for Cambodia’s mine free 2030 goal

Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) is exploring new funding to help Cambodia speed up mine and ERW clearance. Discussions were held with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) in Phnom Penh on Friday.

CMAC Director General Heng Ratana met NPA Cambodia Country Director Hans Risser and visiting leaders from Oslo. The talks reviewed ongoing clearance projects and identified priority provinces still heavily contaminated by landmines and ERW.

Planned support includes expanding CMAC operations in high risk areas and strengthening its mine detection dog centre. NPA is also considering funding ERW clearance in provinces already declared mine free to address remaining threats. Ratana said sustained international backing is essential for Cambodia to meet its 2030 mine free commitment.

Since the end of wartime, Cambodia has cleared over 3,297 square kilometres of contaminated land across the country. More than one million anti personnel mines and over three million explosive remnants of war have been destroyed. However, nearly 1,700 square kilometres of land remain affected by mines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants.

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