AKP Phnom Penh, August 18, 2026 --

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has reaffirmed that funding and international support for Cambodia’s humanitarian mine action sector remain strong and resilient, clarifying that recent funding difficulties faced by Cambodian Self Help Demining (CSHD) do not reflect the overall situation of the sector.

In a statement released on Tuesday, CMAA acknowledged the funding challenges faced by CSHD and expressed appreciation for the organisation’s contribution to protecting communities from landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).

CMAA also expressed sincere appreciation to international donors and philanthropic partners for their continued support for humanitarian mine action in Cambodia.

According to CMAA, CSHD currently has 37 personnel working within Cambodia’s mine action sector, which has a total workforce of approximately 5,700 people. While the funding constraints facing CSHD are a matter of concern, CMAA stressed that they are specific to the organisation and should be viewed in the context of Cambodia’s broader nationwide mine action capacity.

It added that only part of CSHD’s workforce is expected to be affected by the funding situation.

CMAA stressed that CSHD’s funding challenges should not be interpreted as a reflection of the overall state of humanitarian mine action in Cambodia. Mine clearance and related operations continue nationwide through national operators as well as national and international non-governmental organisations, with support from the Royal Government, development partners, donors and other stakeholders.

At the same time, CMAA recognised the importance of sustaining the capacity and contributions of all mine action organisations, including CSHD.

The authority explained that mine action funding has fluctuated over the years among donors and operators as priorities, funding cycles and operational requirements evolve. Such fluctuations may continue, with some operators adjusting or reducing their workforce while others maintain or expand their operations.

CMAA said this is an anticipated feature of a sector supported by multiple national and international funding sources and should not be interpreted as a decline in Cambodia’s overall mine action capacity or international support.

International confidence in and cooperation with Cambodia’s mine action sector remain strong, the authority said, adding that Cambodia continues to work closely with bilateral and multilateral partners to secure sustained support, advance national mine action priorities and achieve its goal of becoming free from the impact of explosive ordnance.

By C. Nika