AKP Phnom Penh, January 30, 2025 --

The Government of Australia has allocated an additional AUD 2 million to support the Royal Government of Cambodia's efforts to become mine-free by 2030 via the Clearing for Results Project, implemented by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

A new Contribution Agreement was signed this afternoon between the Government of Australia represented by H.E. Derek Yip, Ambassador of Australia to Cambodia, and UNDP represented by Ms. Alissar Chaker, UNDP Resident Representative in Cambodia.

The signing ceremony, held at the CMAA office in Phnom Penh, was witnessed by H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of CMAA.

Addressing the function, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch said that Australia and UNDP have been key partners in Cambodia’s mine action efforts, with Australia contributing over AUD 100 million since the 1990s, including more than US$ 35 million to the Clearing for Results project. “UNDP’s long-standing support has strengthened Cambodia’s mine action sector, enabling the clearance of 384 square kilometres of land and transforming hazardous areas into thriving communities,” he continued.

The senior minister honoured Cambodia’s deminers, whose bravery and sacrifice have been instrumental in ensuring the country’s safety, and welcomed Australia’s renewed commitment of AUD 2 million, further advancing the shared vision of a Mine/ERW Free Cambodia.

“Australia has been a longstanding and proud partner of Cambodia, providing support for mine action since the early 1990s. From 2006 the cornerstone of this partnership has been the Clearing for Results project. More than just clearing landmines, this project has transformed lives – supporting landmine survivors and making land safe for Cambodians to build a brighter future on,” said H.E. Ambassador Derek Yip.

For her part, Ms. Alissar Chaker said, “UNDP values the long-standing partnership with Australia on the Clearing for Results project, which releases landmine and Explosive Remnants of war-contaminated land for safe use by communities, educates people on risks, and supports victims in accessing rehabilitation services and rebuilding their lives. UNDP remains committed to accompanying the Royal Government of Cambodia in closing the sad chapter of the conflict.”

According to a joint press release made public this evening, the Clearing for Results Project - Phase IV (2020-2025), funded by Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, UNDP and the Royal Government of Cambodia, has been supporting mine clearance operations, mine risk education, and victim assistance. Since 2006, the project has supported the release of more than 384 square kilometers of land (over 12 percent of the whole sector’s achievement) for safe use and local development, benefiting more than 1.2 million people.

By C. Nika