Cambodian King Marks Mine Awareness Day With Call for International Cooperation
Cambodian King Marks Mine Awareness Day With Call for International Cooperation
PHNOM PENH, Feb 23, 2026 — Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni on Monday called for sustained national and international efforts to eliminate landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), warning that the deadly remnants of past conflicts continue to threaten lives and development.
In a royal message marking the 27th National Mine Awareness Day on Feb. 24, the monarch said landmines and explosive remnants of war remain a serious danger decades after Cambodia’s prolonged civil conflicts.
“Landmines and unexploded ordnance have destroyed infrastructure, hindered national development and caused tens of thousands of Cambodians to suffer injuries, permanent disabilities and loss of life,” the King said.
He noted that Feb. 24 was designated as National Mine Awareness Day to promote public understanding of mine risks and encourage vigilance across affected communities.
The King also referred to recent border fighting with Thai forces, saying artillery, tank fire and aerial bombardments had left additional explosive remnants scattered in Cambodian villages along the frontier, creating new clearance challenges for authorities.
Cambodia is among the countries most affected by landmines and UXO after decades of war. Government data show that millions of square meters of contaminated land have been cleared in recent years, enabling farmland and infrastructure development.
The monarch thanked the Cambodian government, national institutions and the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) for their continued efforts, as well as international donors for supporting demining operations and victim assistance programs.
He appealed to friendly governments, international organizations and donors to continue cooperating and providing assistance for mine clearance and victim support in Cambodia.
Cambodia has pledged to achieve a mine-free status, though officials have acknowledged that clearance efforts remain ongoing, particularly in border areas.
