(Phnom Penh): The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian mine action across Southeast Asia.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between ARMAC and NPA Headquarters in Oslo, focusing on technical exchange, capacity development, innovation, and resource mobilization at both national and regional levels.
This new partnership expands on a 2021 country-level MoU between ARMAC and NPA, elevating the cooperation to the institutional level. It underscores the commitment of both organizations to address the humanitarian and socio-economic impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) through partnership, knowledge-sharing, and regional cooperation.
“We are proud to formalize this partnership with NPA, a respected global humanitarian mine action organization. Together, we will strengthen support for ASEAN Member States and advance regional cooperation to build safer, more resilient communities,” said Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC.
“NPA is honored to sign this MoU with ARMAC, an institution at the heart of regional mine action efforts in ASEAN. Through this cooperation, we will share expertise and resources to help increase the protection of civilians from weapons, and contribute to stabilisation, peace and opportunities for development across the region,” said Rune Dale-Andresen, Director International Department at Norwegian People’s Aid.
Under the MoU, ARMAC and NPA will collaborate in the following areas:
- Victim assistance, including psychosocial support and rehabilitation.
- Technical expertise in land release, risk education, and national standards development.
- Training, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
- Innovation and technology in mine action.
- Gender inclusion and regional cooperation in line with ASEAN frameworks.
This partnership directly contributes to the implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025 and the aspirations of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, reinforcing ASEAN’s commitment to a peaceful, inclusive, resilient, and people-centred region free from the threats of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
About ARMAC:
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) is a regional center of excellence established by ASEAN Leaders in 2012 under the ASEAN framework. ARMAC supports Member States in addressing the humanitarian and developmental impacts of explosive ordnance (EO). It fosters regional cooperation, strengthens technical capacities, and provides expertise to help affected communities recover from the effects of war and move forward in peace and security.
About NPA:
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) was founded in 1939 as the humanitarian solidarity organization of the Norwegian trade union movement. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, NPA is a global humanitarian organization with extensive experience in mine action, disarmament, and development cooperation. NPA works in over 30 countries worldwide, supporting mine-affected communities through land release, risk education, victim assistance, and advocacy for a safer, more just world.
=FRESH NEWS
