Cambodia Reaffirms Full Compliance with Ottawa Convention and Rejects False Allegations on Landmine Use
Cambodia Reaffirms Full Compliance with Ottawa Convention and Rejects False Allegations on Landmine Use
Phnom Penh, November 12, 2025 — The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has expressed deep regret over recent unfounded reports by certain Thai media outlets accusing Cambodia of laying new landmines along the border — claims it described as baseless, defamatory, and harmful to ongoing humanitarian cooperation.
In its official statement, the CMAA reaffirmed that Cambodia remains a steadfast State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention), fully upholding its principles and obligations under international law. “Cambodia views mine action not only as a humanitarian imperative but also as a vital contribution to peacebuilding and national development,” the statement read.
The Authority emphasized that such false allegations, made without factual basis or credible investigation, risk undermining the cooperative spirit and progress achieved through the Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF) — a bilateral mechanism established by Cambodia and Thailand to promote humanitarian demining and mutual confidence-building along the border.
Cambodia further urged Thailand to avoid using the November 10 landmine incident, which injured two Thai soldiers near the Cambodia–Thailand border area, as a pretext to unilaterally suspend the implementation of the Joint Declaration signed between the two Prime Ministers on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
As the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention approaches in Geneva, Cambodia called upon Thailand and all relevant partners to uphold the spirit of cooperation, foster a culture of dialogue, and adhere to humanitarian principles and international law in pursuit of the shared goal of a mine-free world.
“Any attempt to politicize landmine-related issues risks eroding mutual trust, damaging the reputation of States Parties, and undermining the integrity and spirit of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention,” the CMAA warned.
Reaffirming its unwavering commitment, Cambodia concluded that it has never used and will never use new anti-personnel mines under any circumstances, remaining dedicated to international cooperation for peace, stability, and humanitarian progress.
