AKP Phnom Penh, April 24, 2026 --

Cambodia has introduced a draft National Mine Action Policy for 2026-2035, setting out an ambitious roadmap to eliminate the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war while supporting victims and advancing national development.

The draft policy was approved in a plenary cabinet meeting held on April 23 at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

It aims to complete the clearance of all known mined areas and cluster munition-contaminated land, reduce other areas affected by unexploded ordnance, and provide sustainable and inclusive assistance to victims. Officials said the policy is designed to contribute to Cambodia’s economic and social development while enhancing the country’s standing on the international stage.

According to a press release issued after the cabinet meeting, under the plan, Cambodia has outlined six key goals.

The first is to clear all known mined land by 2030, and all known cluster munition-contaminated areas and priority land affected by other explosive remnants of war by 2035.

The second goal is to strengthen national capacity and establish a sustainable national framework for managing remaining explosive ordnance risks.

The third is to deliver effective mine risk education that responds to changing needs and circumstances.

The fourth seeks to expand effective services and assistance for victims of mines and unexploded ordnance.

The fifth focuses on promoting international cooperation and assistance for mine action.

The sixth aims to ensure mine action addresses cross-sector issues and makes use of enabling factors to improve results.

The new draft policy builds on Cambodia’s 2018-2025 National Mine Action Strategic Plan, which had been fully and successfully implemented.

Authorities described the new framework as a roadmap for improving planning, operations, and long-term strategies in the mine action sector, while preparing for the next phase of managing residual risks after nationwide clearance of mines and cluster munitions is completed.

The policy sets out a long-term vision of a Cambodia free from the impact of explosive remnants of war, with sustainable livelihoods, peace, stability, and continued development.

By C. Nika