AKP Phnom Penh, May 06, 2026 --

The British government has committed £1.6 million (US$2 million) to accelerate Cambodia’s mine-clearance operations over 2026-2027, reinforcing a four-decade partnership to rid the country of landmines.

The announcement came Wednesday from British Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Dominic Williams at his Phnom Penh residence, alongside Senior Minister H.E. Dr.  Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).

The funding will be split between three leading demining organisations: The HALO Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and APOPO.

HALO and MAG are expected to clear nearly 900,000 square metres of contaminated land across seven provinces – Battambang, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin, Pursat, and Koh Kong – directly benefiting over 5,400 residents. They will also deliver more than 4,000 explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) sessions, reaching over 44,000 people, including 21,500 women and girls.

APOPO’s “Minefields to Ricefields” (M2R) project will target 3.4 million square metres of land and support at least 1,000 farming households, integrating mine action with agricultural recovery.

“The UK continues to stand with Cambodia beyond mere partnership, sharing a commitment to humanity and the promotion of dignity,” said H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, reaffirming Cambodia’s “Vision 2030” to eliminate the threat of landmines nationwide.

To date, the UK has contributed around £65 million to Cambodia’s mine-action sector, cementing its role as a key development partner in the Southeast Asian nation’s path to becoming mine-free.

By K. Rithy Reak