Geneva: A senior Cambodian official today provided the United Nations’ top disarmament chief with an update on the “increasingly complex challenges” posed by landmines along the nation’s border with Thailand, emphasizing the persistent risk to civilians and military personnel and the vast resources required for clearance.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), presented the briefing during a working meeting in Geneva with H.E. Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. The Dec. 1 talks centered on ongoing cooperation in mine action and the future of Cambodia’s extensive demining campaign.

The meeting highlighted Cambodia’s more than three decades of progress in clearing landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). H.E. Ly Thuch asserted that Cambodia has transitioned from being one of the world’s most heavily contaminated nations to a leading international authority in mine clearance, information management, and survivor assistance. He also noted Cambodia’s contribution of mine-action expertise to global efforts through UN peacekeeping missions.

He attributed these national achievements to the “strong political commitment” of the Royal Government, under both former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and current Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, coupled with sustained support from international partners.

However, the Senior Minister pivoted to the persistent problem of contamination along sections of the Cambodia-Thailand frontier. He stressed that this threat continues to endanger lives and demands extensive technical expertise, financial backing, and time.

H.E. Ly Thuch reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to tackling these border challenges through cooperation, dialogue, and technically grounded approaches with neighboring countries to ensure safety and stability.

In response, Ms. Nakamitsu commended Cambodia’s sustained demining efforts as a cornerstone of both peace and national development, acknowledging the clearance operations as a major national undertaking. Addressing the border issue specifically, the UN High Representative urged both Cambodia and Thailand to pursue peaceful solutions.