AKP Phnom Penh, August 4, 2026 --

Cambodia strictly opposes the use of cluster munitions due to the severe risks they pose to civilians and their long-lasting impacts across generations, a senior Cambodian official said Tuesday.

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), made the remarks during an inspection of clearance operations led by the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) in Kon Mom district, Rattanakiri province.

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch emphasised that Cambodia understands the profound suffering, loss of life, disability, and economic destruction caused by these weapons. He noted that Thai forces deployed cluster munitions inside Cambodian territory in 2025, targeting both battlefields and civilian zones, which left behind long-term hazards and heightened financial burdens on the Royal Government.

He called on the international community to unite against cluster munition use, step up explosive remnants of war (ERW) clearance, and support victims to ensure safe living conditions for women and children.

Despite significant progress, approximately 644 square kilometres of land in Cambodia remain contaminated by cluster munitions.

Representing the Royal Government of Cambodia, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch expressed gratitude to the NPA, the United States, and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) for supporting clearance efforts in Rattanakiri since 2013.

He added that Cambodia will participate in the Convention on Cluster Munitions meeting in Laos this September to share its progress, request continued international financial assistance, and advocate for a global ban on the production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs.

For his part, NPA Country Director Mr. Hans Peter Risser highlighted that the organisation has supported humanitarian mine action in Cambodia since 1993.

With U.S. and NORAD funding, NPA operations in Rattanakiri have cleared over 40 square kilometres of land and destroyed more than 6,000 cluster submunitions, directly benefiting over 30,000 residents. Mr. Risser reaffirmed the NPA's commitment to assisting Cambodia until it achieves its goal of becoming free from the threat of landmines and ERWs.

By K. Rithy Reak