Siem reap: The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has released a staggering new report detailing the extent of cluster munition contamination following conflicts along the Cambodian-Thai border. The data, shared during a high-level technical workshop in Siem Reap, reveals that over 2,360 square kilometres of land remain hazardous, directly threatening the lives and livelihoods of thousands of civilians.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, CMAC Baseline Survey reports in affected areas across 371 villages in six provinces along the Cambodia-Thai border, including Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear, as well as Siem Reap, approximately 3,600 locations have been identified as affected, covering a total area of about 2,360 square kilometres. These cluster munitions were fired into residential villages, farmlands, schools, hospitals, civilian areas, and military positions.

This survey results indicate that roughly 120,000 to 130,000 155mm artillery projectiles, which carry an estimated 6 to 7 million cluster bomblets, were used in the affected areas. To address this enduring hazard, CMAC and Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) in Cambodia are co-organising a two-day workshop to exchange technical experience regarding M-Series cluster munitions resulting from Cambodia-Thailand border conflicts.

The workshop 'New Type Cluster Munitions: CMR M-Series' is being held at the Techo Peace Museum, in Siem Reap province. H.E. Heng Ratana, Director General of CMAC, and Mr. Hans Peter Risser, Resident Representative of NPA in Cambodia, presided over the opening ceremony of the workshop. Participants include 28 technical experts from CMAC and key international partner organisations such as NPA, Golden West, and APOPO.

Recognising that cluster munitions continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of the citizens, CMAC has organised this workshop to address these enduring hazards, H.E. Heng Ratana said. 'We remain committed to our humanitarian mandate, ensuring every inch of Cambodian territory is restoring safety, returning hope and rebuilding prosperous for Cambodians,' he underlined.