Geneva: A senior Canadian official on Monday praised Cambodia’s internationally recognized leadership in humanitarian mine action while expressing sympathy for communities along the Cambodia-Thailand border affected by past conflicts and explosive remnants of war (ERW).
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Mr. Jason Kelland, Canada’s Senior Official for Policy, Non-Proliferation, and Disarmament Affairs, delivered these remarks during a bilateral meeting in Geneva with H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA). The meeting underscored the strong diplomatic ties and cooperation between Cambodia and Canada.
Senior Minister Ly Thuch conveyed the Royal Government of Cambodia’s appreciation for its longstanding diplomatic ties and cooperation with Canada. He specifically thanked Canada for its ongoing support for humanitarian mine clearance, emphasizing the importance of results-based projects implemented in partnership with the CMAA, and appealed for sustained Canadian assistance.
During the discussions, H.E. Ly Thuch briefed the Canadian delegation on the humanitarian situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border, highlighting the severe challenges faced by Cambodian civilians who were forced to flee amid past military conflicts. He detailed the extensive damage to public infrastructure, including homes, schools, health centers, and cultural sites such as ancient temples.
Despite improved security and the return of displaced residents, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch warned of the ongoing danger posed by explosive remnants of war, particularly cluster munitions, scattered across communities and farmlands. He cited a recent incident where a young Cambodian lost their life after encountering unexploded cluster ordnance.
Mr. Kelland expressed regret over the suffering endured by the border communities due to the conflict. He commended Cambodia’s global leadership in mine action, noting that the country has developed a robust national coordination mechanism and accumulated decades of experience. Mr. Kelland suggested that this expertise offers valuable lessons for other countries facing similar challenges.
He also welcomed Cambodia’s recent public statements, which demonstrate a firm commitment and political will toward humanitarian mine clearance, alongside the country’s active engagement in global mine action efforts.