(Phnom Penh): Thousands of Cambodian farming families will live and work more safely as the UK renews its commitment to mine action in Cambodia, now in its fourth decade of support, with an estimated total contribution of £ 5 million (over USD 85 million).
This year, the UK Government is renewing a commitment of £1.6 million (USD 2.1 million) for another year of mine clearance and risk education, contributing to increased community safety and enhanced livelihoods.
Delivering through leading demining organisations HALO Trust (HALO), Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and APOPO, this funding will help clear mines, enabling the safe return of communities and productive use of land in conflict-affected areas. MAG and APOPO will continue to further support the local organisations Mlup Baitong and the Cambodian Institute for Research and Rural Development (CIRD), respectively, to deliver post-land release livelihoods and sequenced agricultural support.
From 2026 to 2027, HALO and MAG's total land release target is 890,300 square metres across Battambang, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin, Pursat, and Koh Kong provinces, directly benefiting 5,414 individuals. This includes landmine, cluster munitions remnants, and other explosive ordnance clearance, contributing to safe and productive land use and improved environmental outcomes.
HALO and MAG will provide more than 4,000 Explosive Ordnance Risk Education sessions through a variety of channels, reaching more than 44,280 people, including over 8,000 women and 12,000 girls.
The UK is also supporting APOPO and its partner, CIRD to deliver the Minefields to Ricefields (M2R) project, integrating mine action with regenerative agricultural development. From 2026–2027, APOPO will release 1,050,000 square metres of land.
A minimum of 500 farmer households will benefit directly, with a minimum of 45 per cent participation of women and 20 per cent youth, alongside an estimated 500 or more additional households benefiting indirectly through seed banks, other project elements, or selected training.
The project is delivered in close partnership with the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA), whose engagement is key to its success. Our collaboration with CMAA helps to strengthen national ownership and ensures that communities are able to benefit sustainably from cleared land in the long-term.
British Ambassador to Cambodia, Dominic Williams MBE, said: “The UK and Cambodia share a strong and broad partnership, spanning security, development and shared prosperity. As part of this, the UK has prioritised support for demining for over 30 years, in partnership with the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA), precisely because we believe no community should continue to live in fear of landmines. The scale of the challenge in Cambodia is significant, and continued investment in mine action remains essential to secure safe land, economic recovery and lasting confidence.”
“In renewing our funding, we commend Cambodia’s sustained commitment and the brave work of Cambodian deminers in the field. We hope our efforts will support the safe return of displaced people and strengthen protection for border communities at a time of heightened tension,” he added.
This renewed funding will continue to help Cambodians reclaim cleared land, working with Cambodian NGOs to support small business development as well as training in innovative agricultural techniques. It is also crucial in directly supporting Cambodia's progress towards fulfilling its Article 5 clearance obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention by 31 December 2030, a treaty the UK helped found as one of its original signatories in 1997.
Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA), said: “Still going strong’ is more than a theme. It reflects four decades of unwavering partnership. The United Kingdom stood with Cambodia when we needed it most, and it continues to stand with us today. For 33 years of cooperation have taken us beyond partnership. Today, Cambodia and the United Kingdom are true friends, united by a shared commitment to humanity and dignity."
“Behind every contribution are lives transformed, a child walking safely to school, a family returning home, a community restored. That is the true measure of mine action. Cambodia is now in the final chapter of its mine action journey. Our commitment is clear: by 2030, no Cambodian community will live under the threat of explosive remnants of war,” he added.
This commitment reflects the UK government's Plan for Change vision of building international stability and expanding opportunity for communities most affected by conflict.
=FRESH NEWS
