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Table of Contents
Country Reports
Cambodia, Landmine Monitor Report 2008

Cambodia

State Party since

1 January 2000

Treaty implementing legislation

Adopted: 28 May 1999

Last Article 7 report submitted in

2008, covering calendar year 2007

Article 4 (stockpile destruction)

Deadline: 1 January 2004

Completed: February 1999

Article 3 (mines retained)

Initially: None

End 2007: 594

Contamination

Antipersonnel and antivehicle mines, submunitions, other ERW

Estimated area of contamination

No credible estimate

Article 5 (clearance of mined areas)

Deadline: 1 January 2010

Likelihood of meeting deadline

None: extension request in preparation

Demining progress in 2007

Mined area clearance: 36.3km2 (2006: 35.4km2) (all excluding RCAF figures)

Battle area clearance: 1.7km2 (2006: none reported)

Area cancellation/reduction: 557km2 (2006: 303km2)

Mine/ERW casualties in 2007

Total: 352 (2006: 450)

Mines: 138 (2006: 191)

Submunitions: 11 (2006: 20)

Other ERW: 188 (2006: 239)

Unknown: 15 (2006: 0)

Casualty analysis

Killed: 65 (2006: 61)

Injured: 287 (2006: 389)

Estimated mine/ERW survivors

Unknown, but at least 40,000

RE capacity

Unchanged—inadequate

Availability of services in 2007

Unchanged—inadequate

Progress towards victim assistance (VA25) aims

Slow

Mine action funding in 2007

International: $30.8 million (2006: $29.6 million)

National: $1.15 million (2006: $1.15 million)

Key developments since May 2007

Casualties continued their downward trend in 2007. In May 2008, the International Committee of the Red Cross cautioned that the “decrease in new mine casualties must not obscure the significance of the total number of mine/ERW survivors in Cambodia.” The Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority published a national ERW strategy in January 2008; by 2015, the strategy calls for the creation of a “national ERW center.” In 2007, Austcare conducted a needs assessment of persons with disabilities and mine/ERW survivors in Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey provinces. Also in 2007, the Cambodian Mine Action Center branched out into commercial demining.

Mine Ban Policy

The Kingdom of Cambodia signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3 December 1997 and ratified on 28 July 1999, becoming a State Party on 1 January 2000. Domestic implementation legislation—the Law to Prohibit the Use of Anti-personnel Mines—took effect on 28 May 1999.[1]

Cambodia submitted its annual Article 7 report in 2008, covering calendar year 2007.[2] It also submitted a report in 2007, after Landmine Monitor went to print, for calendar year 2006.[3]

Cambodia participated in the Eighth Meeting of States Parties in Jordan in November 2007, where it intervened during the sessions on mine clearance and victim assistance. Cambodia assumed the position of co-chair of the Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration (having been co-rapporteur the previous year), with Secretary-General of the Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) Sam Sotha serving in that role until the Ninth Meeting of States Parties. Cambodia also appointed Sam Sotha as Ambassador for Mine Action, Explosive Remnants of War, Cluster Munitions and Disarmament.

At the intersessional Standing Committee meetings in June 2008, in addition to its role as co-chair for victim assistance, Cambodia made statements on its 2010 Article 5 mine clearance deadline and victim assistance. At the meeting, Cambodia offered to host the 2009 Second Review Conference.

Cambodia also attended the Ottawa Convention Implementation and Universalization Workshop held in Bali, Indonesia, in February 2008, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum Seminar on Anti-Personnel Mines in Penang, Malaysia, in April 2008.

Cambodia has not made its views known on matters of interpretation and implementation related to Articles 1, 2 and 3, and particularly the issues related to joint military operations with states not party to the treaty, antivehicle mines with sensitive fuzes or antihandling devices, and the permissible number of mines retained for training.

Cambodia is party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) and its Amended Protocol II on landmines. It submitted an annual report under Article 13 of the protocol in April 2008. Cambodia is not yet party to CCW Protocol V on explosive remnants of war.

Cambodia participated in the Dublin Diplomatic Conference on Cluster Munitions in May 2008 and adopted the final treaty text.

Production, Transfer, Use, Stockpile Destruction, and Retention

The government has reported that it does not have any antipersonnel mine production facilities, and that it has not exported antipersonnel mines.[4] There have been no specific allegations of use, production, or transfer of antipersonnel mines by government forces or any non-state armed groups since 1999. Landmine Monitor is not aware of any instances of private sales of antipersonnel mines in 2007. There has been a decline in the trade of scrap metal from mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) due to greater supervision by the police and government.

The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) destroyed its declared stockpile of 71,991 antipersonnel mines between 1994 and 1998, and in February 1999 the RCAF Deputy Commander in Chief formally stated that the RCAF no longer had stockpiles of antipersonnel mines.[5] In 2000, Cambodia reported a stockpile of 2,034 antipersonnel mines held by the national police.[6] Cambodia subsequently declared that there have been no antipersonnel mine stockpiles in the country since 2001.[7]

However, police and military units still regularly—even increasingly—find antipersonnel mines in various locations and from various sources around the country. Many are from previously unknown arms caches left from decades of war. Informal (“village”) demining and the scrap metal trade also account for some of the newly discovered stocks of mines.

Discovered mines are supposed to be reported to the CMAA, and handed over to the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) for destruction or training purposes. At the Bali workshop Cambodia stated that it destroys newly discovered stocks immediately.[8]

Cambodia has declared that a total of 119,813 antipersonnel mines were found and destroyed from 2000 to 2007, including 20,268 in 2007 (13,672 by CMAC, 5,360 by HALO Trust, and 1,236 by Mines Advisory Group, MAG).[9] A total of 23,409 antipersonnel mines were found and destroyed in 2006, the largest number in any year.[10] Cambodia states these mines “were collected by civilian and military authorities from various sources, locations and caches” and “transferred to CMAC, HALO, MAG, and the RCAF EOD [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] Branch for destruction.”[11]

In its Article 7 report for calendar year 2007, Cambodia also reported that it transferred 1,022 antipersonnel mines “from various sources to the CMAC/HQ for destruction.”[12] It does not state explicitly if these were mines from newly discovered stocks or those already emplaced.

Mines retained for research and training

As in previous years, in its Article 7 report covering 2007, Cambodia declared that it does not retain any antipersonnel mines for training or development purposes.[13] However, it also reports that in 2007, Cambodia transferred 594 antipersonnel mines “from various sources and Demining Units” to be used for training. It indicates that “CMAC found them in the Mined Areas.” [14]

Cambodia has reported transfer of mines for training and development purposes to the CMAC training center each year.[15] It has not previously reported if these were mines removed from the ground by deminers or mines from newly discovered caches. At the Bali workshop Cambodia asked how long a state has to destroy mines cleared from mined areas but not destroyed in situ. The representative from Canada answered that such mines fall under Article 5 requirements (the ten-year deadline).[16]

Cambodia has not yet reported in any detail on the intended purposes and actual uses of mines kept for training—a step agreed by States Parties at the First Review Conference in 2004. Cambodia did not use the expanded Form D for reporting on retained mines, as agreed by States Parties in 2005.

Landmine/ERW Problem

Nearly three decades of war left Cambodia as one of the countries most severely contaminated by mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). Contamination includes UXO, including (cluster) submunitions, and abandoned explosive ordnance (AXO). Fifteen years after the start of humanitarian demining in Cambodia, however, clearance and new land release initiatives are sharply reducing estimates of contamination, and mine action authorities planned in 2008 to prepare a new map defining the extent of remaining contamination.[17]

The greatest concentration of mines is along the K5 mine belt created by the Vietnamese-backed government in the 1980s and stretching 700km along the western and northern border with Thailand.[18] During the Vietnam War, the United States dropped more than one million tons (907 kg) of bombs and at least 26 million submunitions on Cambodia, mostly in the southeast and the sparsely populated northeast, along the border with Vietnam.[19] However, a 2006 study of ERW in Cambodia found that more than 80% of the ordnance being cleared was ground artillery and munitions, and less than 20% was air ordnance.[20]

A Landmine Impact Survey (LIS) completed in 2002 assessed the area known or suspected to be contaminated by mines as 4,446km2.[21] In the past three years, however, demining NGOs have identified more than 1,000km2 of land, identified as suspect by the LIS, which has been reclaimed by the population. Accordingly, the CMAA has removed this area from the database of land requiring clearance.[22]

A national ERW strategy published by the CMAA in January 2008 says a 2004 estimate that Cambodia had 427km2 of “priority minefields requiring formal clearance” had been “validated by recent trends, even if some of these areas remain to be further defined by current area reduction efforts.”[23] As of August 2008, however, mine action authorities had not determined the extent of remaining contamination.[24]

The number of mine and UXO casualties has fallen dramatically from 875 in 2005 (and an average of 842 a year from 2001 to 2005) to 450 in 2006 and 352 in 2007.[25] Of these, 138 or 42% were casualties caused by mines. Moreover, 90% of mine accidents and casualties in 2007 occurred in just five of Cambodia’s 24 provinces on the border with Thailand.[26] The decline in casualties continued in 2008, albeit at a slower rate, with 170 mine/UXO casualties reported in the first half of the year, 18% less than in the same period of 2007.[27]

However, the CMAA says ERW “severely affect rural livelihoods by impeding access to productive resources, markets and basic social services: land for agriculture and resettlement, irrigation, roads, access to water, heath centers, schools, and other rural infrastructures. When located near archeological sites, landmines and ERW also severely affect economic activities and the development of tourism, which is a major source of revenue for Cambodia.”[28] Deputy Prime Minister Sok An commented in early 2006 that “getting rid of landmines is a prerequisite to lift affected populations out of poverty.”[29]

Mine Action Program

Coordination and management

The CMAA, set up in September 2000, regulates and coordinates mine action, responsibilities previously assigned to CMAC.[30] Prime Minister Hun Sen is the CMAA President, and Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, its Deputy President. A senior government minister, Prak Sokhonn, brought in as second CMAA Vice-President in June 2005, leads the dialogue with donors as the chairperson of a Government-Donor Technical Working Group for Mine Action.[31]

The CMAA’s day-to-day management is in the hands of the Secretary-General, Sam Sotha.[32] In January 2008, the government appointed Sam Sotha as Cambodia’s Ambassador for Mine Action, Explosive Remnants of War, Cluster Munitions and Disarmament, raising operator concerns that he would no longer have sufficient time to devote to the CMAA, but he has made clear he plans to combine both functions.[33]

National mine action legislation and standards

The CMAA has drafted 17 chapters of national mine action standards, of which the first five came into effect in August 2006, covering accreditation and licensing; monitoring demining organizations; the storage, transportation and handling of explosives; and the reporting of demining accidents. Another six chapters covering, among other things, standards for mine and UXO clearance, were approved and came into effect in February 2007.[34] Three more chapters on mechanical clearance, marking, and environmental policy awaited final approval, and five remaining chapters were due for review before the end of 2008.[35]

To reinforce its role as regulator, the CMAA continued to build up its quality assurance (QA) capacity, supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), which contracted BACTEC to provide technical assistance. The CMAA’s ability to fulfill its QA mandate was called into question when CMAC and higher authorities blocked investigation by a QA team sent to investigate an accident which killed seven CMAC deminers in January 2007.[36] However, in February 2008, the CMAA raised the number of QA teams from two to four, all based at the provincial level (as of August 2008, two each in Battambang and Siem Reap).[37] Operators reported QA teams had become more effective as they gained experience.[38]

In 2008, the CMAA gave priority to overhauling its database, with technical support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), as a critical requirement for preparing a new 10-year strategic plan to accompany its request for an extension of its Article 5 deadline under the Mine Ban Treaty (see below summary of efforts to comply with Article 5).[39] An assessment of the CMAA’s database needs by Australian Volunteers International found that the CMAA had not set documentation or reporting standards, that these differed between operators, and that the CMAA had difficulty obtaining data in a useable format and on a regular basis. Individual data providers had some good data management procedures but worked in isolation. Moreover, the RCAF, the police and newly established commercial operators were “not reporting any clearance or EOD information to the CMAA on a regular basis.”[40]

Until 2007, the CMAA operated with a self-built database adapted from an old version of the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA); a more recent version was then installed. The CMAA staff received training from the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) but the system encountered “acceptance difficulties.” As a result, NPA prepared an updated dataset of contamination in 2008 using an alternative tool (Microsoft Access).[41] By August 2008, NPA had reconciled all existing data but the CMAA had yet to take the policy decisions on how to categorize results of different mine action interventions that would allow it to determine the extent of residual mine contamination.[42]

Status of strategic mine action planning

Cambodia’s medium-term vision is to be mine-impact free by 2012.[43] A National Mine Action Strategy issued in 2005 called for “a Cambodia free from the negative humanitarian and socio-economic impacts of landmines/UXO by sustaining a national capability to address the problem in non-cleared and remote areas from 2012.”[44]

However, in view of Cambodia’s need to apply for an extension to its Article 5 deadline, the CMAA decided to draw up a new strategic plan providing a framework and targets for operators and stakeholders. The GICHD was due to participate in meetings planned for August 2008 to discuss Cambodia’s extension request and a new mine action strategy to accompany it.[45]

In the meantime, a Five Year Mine Action Plan drawn up by the CMAA for 2005–2009 sets out four main goals and a number of activities, including plans to:[46]

  • enhance national coordination by integrating mine action with national development and developing information management tools;
  • improve socio-economic planning and monitoring by integrating clearance into the work of provincial Mine Action Planning Committees (PMACs) and Mine Action Planning Units (MAPUs);
  • further develop mine action by regularly reviewing deployment of mine clearance assets, establishing targets to clear high priority minefields by 2012, reducing the number and size of suspected mined areas, and applying Cambodian Mine Action Standards; and
  • enlarge and improve the coordination of mine/ERW risk education (RE) and victim assistance (VA).

The CMAA published a national ERW strategy in January 2008 which sets out a vision that “by 2015, Cambodia will be a country where ERW do not represent an immediate threat for the civilian population (work towards zero victims), and where national resources are available to deal with the remaining ERW contamination through an efficient reporting network and appropriate intervention/disposal capacity, under Government coordination and regulation.”[47] It recommends that Cambodia ratifies CCW Protocol V, thus committing Cambodia to clearing all ERW.[48]

The strategy identifies the CMAA as the regulatory and policy-making authority for ERW action. Short-term goals include:

  • develop the RCAF’s capacity as a “national ERW operator”;
  • develop CMAC’s response capacity by increasing the number of EOD teams, strengthening skills, including multi-item demolition;
  • pilot and expand a response system involving the police, community networks, and operators;
  • safe storage of munitions; and
  • reduce the number of annual ERW victims to 115 by 2010.[49]

By 2015, the strategy calls for:

  • the creation of a “national ERW center” as a repository of expertise and as a training center, allowing the phasing out of international assistance;
  • a national intervention capacity provided by RCAF, which is to be involved “as a matter of priority in ERW clearance related to major national infrastructures,” and by a reformed CMAC “focused mostly on ERW response, fully integrated in Government and with national budget”;
  • a central database located in the CMAA; and
  • QA and monitoring by the CMAA.[50]

Integration of mine action with reconstruction and development

MAPUs in the five most affected provinces (Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Krong Pailin, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear) are responsible for planning and prioritizing clearance, under guidelines laid down by a sub-decree issued in November 2004, and operational guidelines issued by the CMAA in February 2007.[51] MAPUs work with local authorities, identifying community priorities, and with operators to prepare annual task lists which are reviewed and approved by Provincial Mine Action Councils (PMACs). Mine action in other provinces is coordinated with provincial authorities.

Some operators have expressed concern about the sustainability of these MAPUs after training support, provided by Australian Volunteers International since 2005, concluded in mid-2008. HALO also noted a contradiction between the 2007 guidelines, which state that clearance should target “worst contaminated areas,” and the MAPU focus on task selection according to socio-economic impact. The K5 mine belt represents the heaviest concentration of mines but sections of the belt that are not close to communities “are therefore being left off MAPU workplans (despite a persistence of incidents) in favor of land that can demonstrate post-clearance beneficiaries.”[52]

In 2007, the CMAA set up MAPUs in three other provinces (Kampong Thom, Pursat, and Siem Reap) to provide a focal point for mine and ERW clearance. It also plans to set up MAPUs in mainly ERW-affected eastern provinces[53] where some local authorities have complained that the lack of a coordinating mechanism was constraining their ability to address the issue.[54]

Mine action evaluations

In early 2007, a “preliminary analysis” of factors contributing to the sharp fall in casualties identified mine clearance and EOD as the primary reasons, followed by RE. The study said clearance had been better targeted in recent years by focusing on local priorities and heavily mined areas but concluded RE alone was “unlikely to have accounted for the sharp drop.” The study also concluded that poverty had been a key factor increasing the exposure of people to mine/UXO risks and found that respondents’ answers and incident data suggested that casualty reduction is also related to improved harvests and livelihoods. It also cited such factors as increased police attention to the illegal sale of ordnance for the scrap metal trade.[55]

Demining

Humanitarian demining in Cambodia is conducted by three NGOs: CMAC, HALO, and MAG. The CMAA began accrediting operators in 2006 and accredited all three NGOs in October 2006. In 2007, CMAC also embarked on demining on behalf of Australian mining company BHP Billiton, exploring for bauxite in the northeastern province of Mondolkiri.

Three international commercial companies and a Cambodian company received accreditation in 2007: BACTEC, Milsearch (International), and Phoenix PCL, and the Cambodian Demining Service.[56] BACTEC mainly provides support to mineral exploration companies.[57]

The RCAF had not applied for accreditation as of July 2008 but, with support from the Prime Minister, continued demining on behalf of government ministries, mainly in support of infrastructure projects.[58] However, RCAF engineers are also demining for the UN Mission in Sudan: in 2007, they deployed a second contingent of engineers to Sudan,[59] and a third contingent, comprising 139 engineers, in June 2008.[60]

Identifying hazardous areas

Cambodia has data available from a number of partial surveys, the LIS completed in 2002, and extensive technical surveying by demining operators over the past 15 years.[61] The basic planning tool used by MAPUs remains the LIS, although the survey has drawn criticism from operators for including land already cleared, and for not including some areas of contamination.[62] Additionally, it “does not discriminate according to the intensity of the contamination.”[63]

Since 2005, demining NGOs have set out to assess how much land identified as suspect by the LIS had been reclaimed for agricultural cultivation and by June 2008 had identified more than 1,000km2 as in use.[64] However, CMAC, which operated 23 technical survey teams in 2007, also reported that it identified 140km2 of mined areas not included in the LIS in 2007,[65] and an additional 24.3km2 in the first half of 2008.[66]

Marking and fencing of affected areas

Marking was undertaken mainly by CMAC’s technical survey teams. In 2007, it deployed a total of 23 teams and marked a total of 2.9km around 557 suspected or known mined areas.[67]

Mine and ERW clearance in 2007 and 2008

After big gains in 2005 and 2006, clearance of mined areas by the three demining NGOs increased only marginally (2.6%) to 36.34km2 in 2007, but they continued to remove from the database substantial areas reported as suspect in the LIS, area reducing a total of 557km2 in 2007, up from 303km2 the previous year.[68]

RCAF, with 1,513 deminers, reported clearing nearly 19km2 of mined area and destroying a total of 221 mines,[69] but its operations and results are not subject to CMAA oversight, its operating standards are unknown, and its results are not subject to QA or independent verification.

CMAC, with some 2,400 employees, marginally increased the amount of mined area it cleared in 2007 to 27.7km2, and expected productivity to rise as a result of converting from two-person to one-person lane drills and with the deployment of additional mechanical assets, notably brush cutters.[70] CMAC increased the amount of land area-reduced by almost one-third to 190km2 in 2007, but also reported that its technical survey teams identified 140km2 of mined areas not included in the LIS.[71]

CMAC also reported clearing 1.7km2 of battle area in 2007 and continued to build capacity for dealing with ERW, citing support for this movement from such donors as the US Department of State. It reduced the number of its demining platoons from 41 to 36 and raised the number of EOD teams from 21 to 27, deploying eight of them in four eastern provinces.[72] CMAC also deployed four explosives dog detection teams to a regional office in the eastern provincial capital of Kampong Cham. CMAC also planned to cross-train 650 deminers in EOD and has converted its RE teams into mine and UXO risk reduction teams, whose mandate now includes spot clearance.[73]

In 2007, CMAC branched out into commercial demining, which it sees as an increasingly important area of business, generating funding, training and equipment as donor funding starts to decline.[74] Technical survey teams fulfilled contracts for path finding, survey and surface clearance from Liberty Mining International in Rattanakiri and Oddar Meanchey provinces; from Cambodia Advance Communications in Kampong Cham; and from another mining company, Action Group, in Battambang.[75] CMAC’s biggest commercial engagement, however, was with BHP Billiton for mineral exploration. CMAC has deployed three EOD teams and a total of 87 personnel on the project, undertaking clearance and RE to local communities. CMAC received training and equipment from BHP Billiton, which reported committing US$160,000 to fund CMAC’s activities between January 2007 and July 2008.[76]

Demining in 2007[77]

Demining operators

Mine clearance (km2)

Antipersonnel mines destroyed***

Antivehicle mines destroyed

Battle area clearance (km2)

UXO destroyed*

Area reduced or cancelled (km2)

CMAC

27.67

32,518

587

1.7

114,755

190.62

HALO

4.50

38,912

123

0

10,753

79.5

MAG

4.17

7,054

103

0

20,425

286.9

NGO total

36.34

78,484

813

1.7

145,344

557.02

RCAF**

18.97

219

2

0

13,007

0

Total

55.31

78,703

815

1.7

158,940

557.02

*    Operators do not distinguish in their reporting between UXO and AXO.
**   It is not known how much of this total is area reduction or cancellation rather than physical clearance, but it is likely to be substantial.
*** The totals appear to include the destruction of stockpiled mines discovered by demining operators.

HALO, with five international staff and 1,240 nationals, deployed 100 demining teams and three EOD teams in 2007 focusing operations on the K5 mine belt and former Vietnamese defensive positions adjacent to it, along the border with Thailand in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Krong Pailin, and Oddar Meanchey provinces. Teams cleared a little less area than in 2006 but the most mines of any operator, reflecting the density of contamination in its task areas. In 2006, HALO had conducted trials with US-made HSTAMID detectors and in 2007 worked with 15 of the detectors, which combine metal detectors with ground penetrating radar, allowing operators to use rapid investigative techniques to confirm non-explosive metal debris (known as “clutter”), thus improving productivity.[78]

MAG operated in northwestern Cambodia with 480 staff, deploying 21 manual clearance teams, five mobile EOD teams, three mine detection dog teams, one technical survey team, seven community liaison teams, eight brush-cutting teams, six mapping teams, and three research and development teams.[79] In 2007, these teams raised the area MAG cleared by nearly 10% and the number of antipersonnel mines cleared by more than half. MAG also achieved a more than fourfold increase in the amount of land area-reduced.[80] MAG attributed the increase to better application of a toolbox approach and the sharper focus of field operations, resulting from greater emphasis on technical assessment of tasks. MAG also phased out some Tempest machines, replacing them with cheaper, more efficient grass cutters.[81]

In the first half of 2008, demining NGOs maintained productivity. CMAC cleared 13.1km2 of mined area and 1.7km2 of battle area, destroying 13,464 antipersonnel mines, 306 antivehicle mines and 57,288 items of UXO. It also area reduced 33.1km2 of suspected land.[82] HALO cleared 3.7km2, destroying 21,853 antipersonnel mines, 139 antivehicle mines, and 4,463 items of UXO and AXO. HALO also identified 36.1km2 of reclaimed land.[83] MAG reported clearing 2km2, destroying in the process 2,792 antipersonnel mines, 89 antivehicle mines, and 10,102 items of UXO. Its survey teams identified 158.9km2 of “reclaimed” land (SHAs being used by the population),[84] bringing the total for all operators since 2005 to 1,173.5km2.

Summary of Efforts to Comply with Article 5

Under Article 5 of the Mine Ban Treaty, Cambodia is required to clear all antipersonnel mines from mined areas under its jurisdiction or control as soon as possible, but not later than 1 January 2010. Cambodia has acknowledged since April 2006 that it would not meet the deadline and would apply for an extension.[85] At a national mine action conference in November 2007,[86] the Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, stated: “Cambodia is obligated to clear all mines within 10 years. The magnitude of mine issue in Cambodia is so huge that Cambodia might ask the member states concerned to extend the mandate of the treaty for another 10 years. Cambodia will explain the reasons for extension and make a report about the Royal Government of Cambodia’s willingness and strong commitment.”

Demining in 2003–2007

Year

Mine clearance (km2)*

Area reduced or cancelled (km2)

2007

36.34 (55.3)

557.02

2006

35.4 (51.9)

303

2005

30.8 (40.6)

85.4

2004

18.9 (32.0)

0

2003

17.3 (41.7)

0

Total

138.74(221.5)

945.42

* Brackets indicate clearance including RCAF’s reported results.

As part of the preparatory work for its extension request, due to be submitted in March 2009, the CMAA called on NPA to prepare a consolidated dataset harmonizing disparate data on clearance and area reduction. This would define the extent of the residual mine contamination problem and provide the basis for a new mine action strategy.[87] On 25 August 2008, the CMAA requested UNDP to lead the process of providing support to the CMAA to develop the new strategy.[88]

Casualties by Status

Civilian

Deminer

Security forces

Unknown

Total

323

17

11

1

352

Civilian Casualties by Age and Gender

Men

Boys

Women

Girls

Total civilians

156

121

27

19

323

Casualties by Device Type

ERW

Anti-

personnel mines

Anti-

vehicle mines

Unknown

Total

199

80

58

15

352

A national study on ERW undertaken by NPA for CMAC observed that “the remaining high-impact border contaminated areas can arguably be reduced within a 5–10 year period,” and noted that even this estimate may prove conservative.[89]

Landmine/ERW Casualties[90]

In 2007, the Cambodia Mine/UXO Victim Information System (CMVIS) recorded 352 new mine/ERW casualties in Cambodia (65 people killed and 287 injured) in 195 incidents; this is a decrease of 22% from 2006 (450), evidence of a downward trend since 2006 when casualties dropped by 49% compared to 2005 (875).[91]

As has been the trend since 2001,[92] ERW caused the majority of casualties (199, including 192 civilians) in 2007 with 38 killed and 161 injured. Boys represented 50% of total ERW casualties (100). Submunitions caused 11 of these casualties (seven boys).

Civilian casualties due to handling mines/ERW or standing near such activities accounted for 56% of total casualties (198), with 120 (67 children) and 78 casualties (57 children) respectively. Only 11 of the handling casualties occurred due to mines. Males represented 85% (168) of handling casualties, the vast majority were boys (65%, 108). Most casualties were “hitting” the device (70), particularly children (49 boys) who usually did it out of curiosity or while playing. The second most common activity was “dismantling” (40), usually men who used the explosive for fishing or scrap metal collection. Nine civilian casualties occurred while moving live ordnance to make areas safe.

Other activities that led to incidents were collecting wood/food (39), agriculture (37), and traveling (36). People were most at risk of becoming casualties in or near their livelihood areas: settlements (100), areas where livelihood products/water are collected (95), agricultural and pasture lands (71), and roads and paths (36). Twenty people became casualties when entering minefields and six near military bases; the activity at the time of incident for the remainder is unknown.

Although casualties occurred in 21 of 24 provinces, about 40% of all casualties occurred in just two: Battambang (82) and Banteay Meanchey (55). Other provinces with 10 or more casualties included Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap (32), Krong Pailin (23), Preah Vihear (20), Kampong Cham and Kampong Speu (19), and Kampong Thom (13). Battambang had the highest number of both mine and ERW casualties with 42 and 38 respectively. However, nearly 86% of casualties in Siem Reap were from ERW and the highest proportion of mine casualties, 75%, was in Preah Vihear province.

In total, 83% of casualties reported receiving RE, a slight decrease from the 87% reported in 2006. A total of 38% of all mine casualties occurred in marked areas. This is a high percentage, particularly as 87% of these casualties had received RE (only mined areas are marked not ERW-contaminated areas).

Casualties continued to be reported at a decreased rate in 2008, with 170 (31 killed and 139 injured) to 30 June: the casualty rate for the same period in 2007 was 210, with 38 killed and 172 injured.[93] Collection of ERW for scrap metal continued to be a leading motivation despite nearly 90% of respondents to a 2006 survey stating that the scrap metal trade had ceased in their villages.[94]

Data collection

CMVIS has operated a casualty database since 1994. Casualties are reported through a network of Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) field staff and then entered into the database; Handicap International (HI) provides technical assistance and financial support. CMVIS data is used for planning and prioritization of VA, RE, clearance, and EOD tasks. It widely distributes monthly and annual reports.[95]

CMVIS reduced its data gathering network in December 2007 to 10 full-time and seven part-time staff from 18 and six respectively in previous years. In order to continue its geographic coverage of 24 provinces, some data gatherers were assigned additional areas to cover;[96] HI stated that the continuing decline in casualties indicated a diminished need for data collection.[97] Despite the reduction, HI asserted that CMVIS’s ability to adequately identify and report new casualties will not be compromised. While acknowledging that new casualties may not be reported in the month they occur, in 2008 CMVIS provided monitoring tools for field staff to assure effective monitoring and complete data collection.[98]

In December 2007, a revision of the CMVIS data collection forms and written guidelines for their use were completed and the data gatherers were trained to use the new forms (one for recording incidents, the other for casualties); previously a single form was used. Key features of the new form are greater differentiation of land use at the scene of the incident, device type, and, particularly with respect to handling of live ordnance, the motivation and type of physical interaction involved.[99]

As of 31 December 2007, the CMVIS database contained records on 66,070 mine/ERW casualties in Cambodia: 19,402 killed and 46,668 injured.

In April 2007, CMVIS began a survey of approximately 4,000 survivors for the period 2001–2005 in 17 provinces and municipalities, to collect data on assistance received by survivors and socio-economic indicators.[100] The survey was suspended due to inconsistencies in data collected, which indicated a need to revise data collection tools and the scope of the survey. Initially planned for a restart in September/October 2007,[101] training for a pre-test of the revised survey was rescheduled to begin in August 2008 in Battambang province. The survey data will include all 2007 casualties in 24 provinces.[102]

Accurate information about the number of persons with disabilities in Cambodia and their living circumstances is lacking and according to a recent study “there are validity and bias issues that overshadow the worth” of available data. Data collection systems used in the physical rehabilitation sector are considered inadequate.[103] Information on disability will not be included in the 2008 census in Cambodia due to an inability to agree on the data and indicators to collect; instead a national disability survey is planned by the Disability Action Council and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MSVY).[104]

Landmine/ERW Risk Education

In 2007–2008, RE efforts in Cambodia generally improved coverage of primary at-risk groups and activities increased, along with emergency RE at locations where new incidents occurred. CMVIS data continued to inform operator activities. As in recent years, most RE was conducted primarily in the northwestern provinces where casualties continue to occur, although at a reduced rate from previous years.

In total, 536,071 people received some form of RE in 2007, including 155,581 from targeted at-risk groups (1,722 scrap metal collectors/dealers and at-risk families, at least 26,740 out-of-school, 91,181 in-school children, and at least 35,938 from mixed groups in at-risk communities);[105] 649,679 people received RE in 2006.[106]

Strategic framework and capacity

RE activities in Cambodia began in 1993 and since December of that year the CMAA has been responsible for coordination, with technical and financial support from UNICEF and HI. The CMAA coordinates through monthly meetings of the Technical Working Group for Mine Risk Education, whose membership includes stakeholders from government institutions, operators, and development partners. The CMAA conducts monitoring and reporting of RE activities.[107]

Cambodia’s Mine Risk Education Strategic Plan was revised in the first quarter of 2006. The new RE strategy for 2006–2012 aims to reduce casualties by empowering affected communities to identify appropriate and effective risk education/reduction approaches, and by integrating these efforts with broader humanitarian and development activities, including VA.[108]

The CMAA noted a number of challenges to the implementation of RE in Cambodia, particularly:

  • the remote locations of some at-risk communities;
  • difficulties reaching out-of-school children;
  • seasonal restrictions on the delivery of RE;
  • the limited availability of target groups during both their daily working hours and evenings;
  • shortages of materials for in-school programs; and
  • the frequent perception by target groups that mine/ERW risks in their communities are already known.[109]

The CMAA itself and operators cited a need to improve communications with and among RE operators through staff dedicated by each organization to the task, and from the CMAA secretariat to provincial and district MAPU offices.[110] According to HI, coordination of RE activities in Cambodia suffers from a “low level” of leadership and further progress in the efficiency of RE is hindered by insufficient targeting of at-risk groups.[111]

In a change from previous years,[112] Cambodia included detailed information on RE activities in Form I of its latest Article 7 report as well as in its Amended Protocol II Article 13 report for 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007.[113]

In 2008, an external evaluation of the RE sector was planned, with funding from UNICEF, to identify achievements to date, what types and methods of RE are most appropriate and cost-effective, and what capacity is needed within the government to facilitate a transition to national implementation of programs.[114]

Coverage and response

In 2007, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the national police, CMAC, the CRC, CMVIS, HALO, MAG, World Vision Cambodia (WVC), HI, and the UK-based NGO Spirit of Soccer continued to provide RE. UNICEF continued its technical and financial support.[115]

RE methods used in Cambodia include direct interventions in the scrap metal trade, large presentations to mine-affected villages, volunteers providing RE information to their peers through both home and field visits, billboards and television spots, primary school lessons, and outreach to out-of-school children. In 2007, efforts to target specific at-risk groups in Cambodia increased, particularly for those involved in the scrap metal trade. Operators continued to receive reports of mines or ERW and either respond to these reports or refer them to demining bodies.[116]

Activities

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports conducted in-school RE activities in nine provinces in 2007; adults were not targeted by the program as in previous years.[117] The national police continued efforts to educate at-risk populations of laws pertaining to scrap metal and ERW.[118]

CMAC implemented RE in 10 of 24 affected provinces and deployed a variety of RE teams and methodologies through five separate programs: Mine Risk Education and Reduction, Community-Based Risk Reduction, Mass Media/TV Radio, UXO Risk Reduction through Scrap Metal Dealers, and Community-Based UXO Risk Reduction. Each program has different target groups, depending on the location/type of contamination or the type of interaction by locals with explosive devices. According to CMAC, the adaptation of pure RE teams to include ERW risk education and reduction has yielded “very positive results.” CMAC has also stated that it seeks to provide RE adapted to community needs while simultaneously removing threats to the communities where they operate.[119]

The CRC community-based RE project increased efforts to reach at-risk individuals and families in 2007. CRC volunteers work in close cooperation with local authorities to identify at-risk groups and individuals in their communities; activities target recently relocated persons and those involved in livelihood activities that put them at risk, such as collecting firewood, food, or scrap metal.[120]

CMVIS continued to focus on communities where new incidents occur, and on collaborating with operators who requested RE for high-risk areas. CMVIS staff, who are employed by the CRC, conduct emergency RE in areas where they collect data and where incidents have occurred on an ad hoc basis. In addition, they provide RE upon request from other operators when CMVIS staff travel to remote areas. Interactions targeting both groups and individuals more than doubled in 2007 over the previous year. Plans for 2008 included expansion of RE to all affected provinces.[121]

WVC provided RE as an integral part of its infrastructure and agricultural activities in three target districts and 15 villages, each with one RE representative. WVC refined their program in 2007 to focus on at-risk families only, encouraging those engaged in risk activities, such as scrap metal collection, to participate in economic replacement activities.[122]

HI conducted RE in cooperation with the national police, RE and development operators, and sought to intervene in the scrap metal trade to reduce both the presence of ERW in the trade and new casualties in target areas, through training police and educating scrap collectors and dealers on relevant laws and ERW reporting. In 2007, HI reported a near-total halt to the presence of ERW in the scrap metal trade in its target areas (four districts near the K5 belt), which included 198 scrap dealers.[123] Activities in 2008, however, were limited by lack of funding.[124]

In 2007, Spirit of Soccer provided RE activities in Battambang and Krong Pailin provinces throughout the year; activities in Banteay Meanchey province began in October.[125] HALO teams delivered RE while clearance was taking place and addressed residents of mine-affected communities.[126] MAG continued to conduct informal RE activities through community liaison staff, primarily during EOD tasks.[127]

Victim Assistance

In May 2008, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) cautioned that the “decrease in new mine casualties must not obscure the significance of the total number of mine/ERW survivors in Cambodia.”[128]

Many governmental and NGO VA services in Cambodia are urban-based and do not fully reach persons with disabilities in rural areas. Although there were substantial improvements in the government’s treatment and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, NGOs provided most of the VA during the reporting period, in cooperation with relevant authorities. Mine/ERW survivors remain a significant proportion of the total number of persons with disabilities in Cambodia and are among the poorest of the poor; Cambodia admits that much remains to be done to “ensure that appropriate mechanisms” exist to meet the needs of survivors and other persons with disabilities.[129]

In 2007, Austcare conducted a needs assessment of persons with disabilities and mine/ERW survivors in Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey provinces. The assessment highlighted the major improvements needed as: food security through expansion and greater use of agricultural land, coupled with income generation activities; access to water for both domestic and agricultural use; access to vocational and agricultural skills development; financial support for health care, including transportation; and, more broadly, responsiveness of government to community needs without bias or political corruption.[130]

Medical care at public hospitals is usually not free of charge and the cost of continuing medical care is prohibitive. Reportedly, many of those using the public system lack confidence in the quality of services. Often health centers have nurses but not doctors on staff; facilities frequently lack medical supplies and basic utilities, such as electricity. First-aid is available in government health centers but many mine/ERW injured require specialized treatment not available locally. Healthcare workers identified as challenges the lack of blood banks, adequate trauma care training, ambulance shortages, and insufficient direction and support from provincial levels to the field.[131]

Physical rehabilitation services are generally well organized and good quality, particularly for amputees. However, patient stays in centers are long, tending to disrupt the income generation of families and, coupled with transportation costs, often discourage people from seeking needed services.[132] The rehabilitation sector continued to rely on extensive support from international organizations. As in 2006, there were 11 physical rehabilitation centers and orthopedic workshops in 2007 covering 24 provinces.[133] Five international organizations―ICRC, Cambodia Trust, HI (Belgium and France sections), and Veterans International Cambodia―supported the 11 rehabilitation centers in 2007 as in previous years.[134]

Community-based rehabilitation services in Cambodia expanded significantly in 2007–2008 through the national program executed under the MSVY in cooperation with NGOs. UNICEF provided financial and technical support.[135]

Psychosocial support is limited. Some services are offered through mental health units of referral hospitals or are integrated into community development activities. The national program for mental health does not function well due to financial and human resource constraints and there are few trained psychiatrists, although there is a “huge need for social workers to help support” those suffering from trauma. In 2007–2008, the MSVY was reportedly developing guidelines and best practices for the sector.[136]

The number of self-help groups continued to grow and usually includes survivors. Development of such groups is a MSVY strategic priority. Some self-help groups carry out economic assistance initiatives, but economic reintegration services remain limited for survivors and were mainly offered by international and national NGOs.[137] The MSVY operates a pension scheme for former civil servants and soldiers with disabilities.[138]

Cambodia has no legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The government continues to prohibit persons with disabilities from being teachers in public schools.[139] However, the draft Law for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of People with Disabilities was submitted to the government in December 2006 and approved by the Council of Ministers in February 2008; the law has yet to be approved by the National Assembly.[140] Cambodia signed both the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol on 1 October 2007, but as of 31 July 2008 neither had been ratified.

Progress in meeting VA25 victim assistance objectives

Cambodia is one of 25 States Parties with significant numbers of mine survivors and “the greatest responsibility to act, but also the greatest needs and expectations for assistance” in providing adequate services for the care, rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors.[141] As part of its commitment to the Nairobi Action Plan, Cambodia presented its objectives in 2005;[142] most of these objectives do not meet SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) criteria,[143] and there is no government funding specific to VA.[144]

Cambodia stated at the Eighth Meeting of States Parties that, on completion of the National Disability/Victim Assistance Plan 2008–2011, a survey of persons with disabilities would be conducted, but called on the international donor community to provide the necessary financial and technical assistance.[145] Similar statements were made in other international fora.[146] At the June 2008 Standing Committee meetings, Cambodia said it had intended to present the action plan and its revised objectives, but the process had proved more challenging than expected, since “there are many other competing priorities and ministries lack the capacity to give the issue the attention it deserves.” The action plan and objectives are seen as the means and process through which the MSVY will gradually assume ownership of services to persons with disabilities, including mine/ERW survivors.[147] However, various workshops and discussions were held to develop the disability/VA plan and unofficial drafts of the plan showed that objectives were SMART, responsibilities were assigned to relevant stakeholders. It was expected that the plan would be presented at the Ninth Meeting of States Parties.[148]

Apart from developing a sustainable framework for future VA action, little progress has been reported by Cambodia in reaching its objectives. However, notable exceptions are an improvement in the quality of rehabilitation services; the development of best practices and guidelines on psychological support and social reintegration; the establishment of self-help groups and policies relating to access by persons with disabilities to vocational training opportunities; and the signature of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.[149]

Cambodia provided information on VA in both its Article 7 and Article 13 reports. However, the statistics were neither disaggregated nor comprehensive, nor do they present information according to the categories set forward in the Nairobi Action Plan.[150] At the Eighth Meeting of States Parties in November 2007, a VA expert from the MSVY was included in the Cambodian delegation, and at the intersessional Standing Committee meetings an expert from the Disability Action Council (DAC) was present.

Victim assistance strategic framework

The MSVY and DAC are responsible for the coordination and monitoring of VA; the CMAA developed a strategic plan for 2004–2009.[151] Its Department of Victim Assistance is responsible for “compiling monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually reports from the national and international organizations involved in assistance to mine victims,” but these reports were not available for 2005, 2006, or 2007.[152]

In 2007, the CMAA delegated the coordination of VA and disability services to the MSVY and the DAC; the MSVY favors a “mainstreaming approach” to the provision of VA. DAC is now responsible for compiling the annual VA report.[153] However, DAC faced significant financial and human resource challenges in 2006–2007. In 2007–2008, AusAID funding and technical assistance from the Australian Red Cross (ARC) increased. Working groups reported as non-operational in mid-2007 were again functioning as of late 2007 and ARC provided support to DAC for re-establishing the resource center which previously functioned as a clearing house for information on persons with disabilities in Cambodia.[154]

The Steering Committee for Landmine Victim Assistance was established in 2006, co-chaired by the MSVY and the CMAA. Its main aim is to provide oversight of the development and deployment of a National Disability/Victim Assistance Plan 2008–2011. A short-term consultant was hired to begin development of the strategic plan in July 2007.[155]

A Steering Committee workshop on 19–20 March 2008 reviewed objectives for and drafted the Disability/VA plan; for the first time, key ministries participated actively.[156] The plan was due to be finalized by the Steering Committee in September 2008 and submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval.[157] Expected outcomes are government ownership of services for survivors provided within the disability sector, enhanced collaboration and cooperation to avoid duplication by stakeholders, and identification of gaps in services.[158]

The MSVY presented a three-year plan for the gradual takeover of all financial responsibility for the management of physical rehabilitation services in Cambodia, a positive step towards increasing national ownership of the program.[159] Subsequently, on 2 June 2008, the MSVY signed a memorandum of understanding with physical rehabilitation service providers to transfer responsibility for operation of the centers to the ministry by 2011.[160]

Assistance activities

In June 2006, the MSVY and DAC began a nationwide community-based rehabilitation (CBR) project to address service gaps for persons with disabilities,[161] with support from UNICEF and in cooperation with the Cambodian Disabled People’s Organization (CDPO). In 2007–2008, the project expanded from eight provinces to 18. In total, 22 national and international NGOs provide CBR in 13 provinces or municipalities of Cambodia; activities include disability awareness-raising; social, economic, and basic needs activities; rehabilitation services; and capacity-building of local government partners.[162]

The organization Emergency continued to provide medical services to mine/ERW casualties and other victims of traumatic injuries, primarily in Battambang. In 2007, 64 new mine/ERW casualties were assisted with emergency medical and 46 with continuing medical care.[163]

The ICRC continued to operate the prosthetics production facility in Phnom Penh and two physical rehabilitation centers. In 2007, the ICRC assisted 3,450 people with physical rehabilitation services, including 1,601 survivors; and outreach teams provided 9,441 people with therapeutic assistance, prosthetic repairs and other related services and referrals.[164]

Veterans International (VI) continued to operate three physical rehabilitation centers, providing physical rehabilitation services to more than 4,000 people in 2007. It also provided economic assistance and skills training to 193 people, set up 10 new self-help groups (in which 24 members are survivors), and referred 709 people for continuing medical care.[165]

HI Belgium continued to operate two physical rehabilitation centers, and support community disabled people’s organizations and CBR. In 2007, the organization assisted 3,617 people with physical rehabilitation services (2,360 survivors, including 206 new casualties) and 26 survivors participated in sport activities.[166] HI France continued operation of one physical rehabilitation center. In 2007, it assisted 616 survivors with physical rehabilitation services and provided 32 with economic assistance.[167]

Cambodia Trust continued to provide training for technicians at the Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics and to operate two physical rehabilitation centers. In 2007, the three facilities assisted 4,976 people (number of survivors unknown) with some form of physical rehabilitation.[168]

WVC provided 37 survivors with economic assistance or skills training.[169]

In 2007, the CRC provided vocational training and income generation activities to 390 survivors or their families (30 new casualties).[170] CMVIS staff received disability awareness training and the data gatherer network established linkages with VA providers in their areas of operation. In 2007, 26 new casualties were referred to other services, and 137 new casualty families were provided with emergency and household assistance by CMVIS staff.[171]

The Cambodian War Amputees Rehabilitation Society assisted 354 survivors with vocational training in 2007, provided referral to physical rehabilitation or medical services for 105 survivors, and an unknown number of survivors received loans.[172]

Numerous other national and international NGOs provide assistance to persons with disabilities, including survivors. A listing of these organizations is available from DAC, and many organizations are noted in Cambodia’s Article 13 report.[173]

Support for Mine Action

Landmine Monitor is not aware of comprehensive long-term cost estimates for meeting mine action needs (including RE and VA) in Cambodia. The Five Year Mine Action Plan for 2005–2009 includes detailed budgets for all areas of implementation over a five-year period, consisting of coordination, survey and marking, mine clearance, RE, and VA. Budgets for all areas total approximately $34 million per year, $170 million for the full term or $102 million for 2007–2009. The plan projects allocations from the national budget totaling $3,360,000 in 2007 (far below the actual national commitment. see below), $4,400,000 in 2008, and $5,430,000 in 2009.[174] The plan does not include detailed, long-term resource mobilization strategies, but does contain several “resource mobilization mechanisms” active as of 2005, including the UN Portfolio of Mine Action Projects, UNDP and Trust Fund financial support, funding by the government of Cambodia to the RCAF, and coordination between the CMAA and international donors.[175]

The CMAA coordinates overall strategy for mine action in Cambodia and oversees a mine action coordination committee (MACC) including international donors and development partners. The government of Cambodia has established a technical working group on mine action for “high-level dialogue between donors and the government on sector funding and strategic issues.”[176]

Overall authority for VA has been delegated by the CMAA to the MSVY and DAC. It is not known if the new VA action plan will include a cost estimate for fulfillment of treaty obligations.

The Landmine Victim Assistance Fund, established in 2004 to meet the needs of Cambodia’s mine survivors for physical, social and economic reintegration, received A$650,000 ($489,775) in 2006 from AusAID. The fund provides support to 10 NGOs to assist survivors and other persons with disabilities in mine-affected communities with a variety of services.[177]

National support for mine action

In 2007, Cambodia reported national funding to mine action of $1,150,000, the same amount as reported in 2006. Funds were allocated to the CMAA, CMAC, the RCAF, police, and the MSVY.[178] The CMAA reported to Landmine Monitor in 2006 that national funding to mine action would increase to $1.4 million in 2007, which does not appear to have occurred.[179]

International cooperation and assistance

In 2007, 14 countries and the European Commission (EC) reported providing $30,797,541 (€22,461,922) to mine action in Cambodia. Reported mine action funding in 2007 was 4% more than reported in 2006. While the full extent of contamination and the total number of landmine/ERW survivors are unknown, funding at 2007 levels does not appear sufficient to meet all of Cambodia’s substantial mine action needs. As of July 2008 the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) noted “insufficient funding compared to the scope of contamination” as a primary factor impeding mine action in Cambodia.[180]

2007 International Mine Action Support to Cambodia: In-Kind[181]

Donor

Form of In-Kind Support

Monetary Value

France

Mine clearance training

$12,256 (€8,939)

Total CMAC expenditures for the period 1 July 2006–30 June 2007 were reported by Cambodia to be approximately $9,045,042, while HALO funding for the same period was reported to be $2,320,982 and MAG funding to be $2,910,328.[182] These amounts vary substantially from the figures reported by donors ($6,082,928 was reportedly donated to HALO, for example) but because of the different reporting periods, direct comparisons are not valid.

UNDP reported contributing $1,062,475 to its “Clearing for Results” Programme in 2007, for capacity development of the CMAA, mine clearance and advocacy.[183]

International support by Cambodia for mine action

Cambodia has provided three contingents of demining personnel to UN peacekeeping operations in Sudan since 2006 (see above section on demining).[184] Cambodia did not report the value of these contributions in 2007.

2007 International Mine Action Funding to Cambodia: Monetary[185]

Donor

Implementing Agencies/Organizations

Project Details

Amount

Japan

CMAC, HALO, Japan Mine Action Service, MAG, UNMAS

Mine clearance, EOD disposal, rehabilitation and reintegration

$5,925,598 (¥697,129,189)

Australia

ARC, Austcare, World Vision and International
Women’s Development Agency (IWDA), CARE Australia, UNDP, MAG, UNDP

Landmine Victim Assistance Fund, Austcare integrated mine action, World Vision Community Strengthening and Gender Mainstreaming in Integrated Mine Action, Cambodia Integrated Mine Action,
mapping of hazardous areas

$5,384,734 (A$6,417,273)

US

From the Department of State, Department of Defense and Centers for Disease Control

$3,994,000

United Kingdom

HALO, MAG

Mine clearance

$3,032,507 (£1,514,739)

Canada

Oxfam, UNDP

VA, mine clearance

$2,474,121 (C$2,655,776)

EC

Economic and Social Relaunch of Northwest Provinces (ECOSORN) project

$2,399,425 (€1,750,000)

Netherlands

HALO, NPA

Unspecified mine action

$2,330,870 (€1,700,000)

Spain

Instituto de Estudios Políticos para América Latina y ”frica, Jesuit
Service, UNDP

VA, UNDP Clearing for Results

$1,713,850 (€1,249,982)

Finland

HI, HALO, FinnChurchAid

VA, mine clearance

$1,329,967 (€970,000)

Germany

CMAA, German Embassy

Mine clearance

$1,070,364 (€780,661)

Ireland

HALO

Mine clearance

$685,550 (€500,000)

Norway

NPA

Right to Landmine/UXO Free Environment

$252,500 (NOK1,478,336)

Luxembourg

HI

VA

$135,839 (€99,073)

New Zealand

CSPO

VA

$55,960 (NZ$75,981)

Total

$30,785,285 (€22,452,983)


[1] The law bans the production, use, possession, transfer, trade, sale, import, and export of antipersonnel mines. It provides for criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment for offenses committed by civilians or members of the police and the armed forces. It also provides for the destruction of mine stockpiles.

[2] The report is not dated.

[3] The report has a date on it of 27 April 2007, but it had not been received by the UN as of the end of July 2007. Previous reports were submitted on 11 May 2006, 22 April 2005, 30 April 2004, 15 April 2003, 19 April 2002, 30 June 2001, and 26 June 2000.

[4] Most recently, see Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Forms D and E. In the 1970s Cambodia manufactured one type of antipersonnel mine, the KN-10 Claymore-type mine, and various armed groups made improvised mines in the past.

[5]See Landmine Monitor Report 1999, p. 391, for annual destruction totals.

[6]Article 7 Report, Form B, 26 June 2000.

[7]Article 7 Report, Form F, 30 April 2004.

[8] Email from Tamar Gabelnick, Treaty Implementation Director, ICBL, 10 March 2008.

[9]Article 7 Report, (for calendar year 2007), Form G. Mines destroyed in previous years included: 8,739 in 2000; 7,357 in 2001; 13,509 in 2002; 9,207 in 2003; 15,446 in 2004; 16,878 in 2005; and 23,409 in 2006. See Article 7 Report, Form G, 27 April 2007.

[10]Article 7 Report, Form G, 27 April 2007. This included 14,576 by CMAC, 5,767 by HALO, 1,538 by MAG, and 1,528 by RCAF.

[11]Ibid.

[12] Article 7 Report, (for calendar year 2007), Form D3. It does not identify the mines by type.

[13] Ibid, Form D1a.

[14] Ibid, Form D2. The mines were identified as MD79, PMN, Type 72A, MD82B, POMZ-2, Gyata64, PMISR, OZM-4, and TM57.

[15] Cambodia reports that in 2006, the CMAC training center did not receive any antipersonnel mines for training, but HALO received 125 “from local villagers for the purpose of training.” It reports a total of 2,731 mines transferred for training purposes from 1998–2005. Article 7 Report, Form D, 27 April 2007.

[16] Email from Tamar Gabelnick, ICBL, 10 March 2008.

[17] Interview with Sam Sotha, Secretary-General, CMAA, in Geneva, 2 June 2008.

[18] Presentation by HALO to Landmine Monitor, Phnom Penh, 21 March 2006. The 700km is HALO’s 2006 estimate. In January 2008, HALO received verbal confirmation from the RCAF Engineer Corps commander that the K5 mine belt extends 1046km, and reported that this extra 346km (supposedly laid in the south of the country towards Koh Hong) will need to be surveyed and, if substantiated, will greatly increase future clearance requirements. Email from Gerhard Zank, SE Asia Desk Officer, HALO, 1 September 2008.

[19] South East Asia Air Sortie Database, cited in Dave McCracken, “National Explosive Remnants of War Study, Cambodia,” draft, NPA and CMAA, Phnom Penh, March 2006, p. 15; and “Cluster Munitions in the Asia-Pacific Region,” Human Rights Watch, April 2008.

[20] Interview with Dave McCracken, Consultant, NPA, Phnom Penh, 21 March 2006.

[21] Survey Action Center (SAC), “Cambodia National Level 1 Survey, 2003,” www.sac-na.org.

[22] Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 5 June 2008.

[23] CMAA, “National Strategy on Explosive Remnants of War,” Phnom Penh, January 2008, p. 4.

[24] Telephone interview with Steve Munroe, Mine Action Program Manager, UNDP, 12 August 2008.

[25] CMVIS, “Monthly Report, December 2007”; and see Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 220.

[26] These were Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear. A further 13 mine casualties occurred in Krong Pailin, also on the Thai border, bringing the total for these five areas to 90%. CMVIS data, 4 August 2008.

[27] CMVIS, “Monthly Report, June 2008,” p. 7.

[28] CMAA, “National Strategy on Explosive Remnants of War,” Phnom Penh, January 2008, p. 6.

[29] Address by Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, signing ceremony between UNDP and Australia, Phnom Penh, 25 January 2006.

[30] CMAC is the leading national demining operator but does not exercise the wider responsibilities associated with the term ‘center.’ Set up in 1992, CMAC was assigned the role of coordinator in the mid-1990s. It surrendered this function in a restructuring of mine action in 2000 that separated the roles of regulator and implementing agency and led to the creation of the CMAA.

[31] See Landmine Monitor Report 2006, p. 250.

[32] A royal decree dated 4 September 2000, and a sub-decree dated 8 August 2001, define the roles and responsibilities of CMAA; the 2001 sub-decree also confirmed CMAC’s status as service provider. For details of legislation regarding CMAA and CMAC, see GICHD, “A Study of the Development of Mine Action Legislation,” Geneva, 2004, pp. 64–66.

[33] Technical Working Group for Mine Action Meeting, “Summary Report,” 19 February 2008, pp. 3–4; and interview with Sam Sotha, CMAA, in Geneva, 3 June 2008.

[34] CMAA, “Mine Action Achievements Report 2007 and Work Plan 2008,” p. 6, provided by email from Tong Try, Project Officer, CMAA, 18 August 2008.

[35] Email from Steve Munroe, UNDP, 18 August 2008.

[36] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 221.

[37] Interview with Sam Sotha, CMAA, in Geneva, 2 June 2008; Technical Working Group on Mine Action Meeting, “Summary Report,” 18 October 2007, provided by email from Steve Munroe, UNDP, 30 April 2008; and email from Lydia Good, Mine Action Programme Specialist, Conflict Prevention and Recovery Team, Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, UNDP, 3 Spetember 2008.

[38] Interviews with operators, Phnom Penh, 28–30 April 2008.

[39]Interviews with Sam Sotha, CMAA, in Geneva, 2 June 2008; and Steve Munroe, UNDP, Phnom Penh, 28 April 2008.

[40] AVI, “Recommendations for a Collective Information Management Strategy for the Cambodian ERW Action Sector, (Draft),” Phnom Penh, May 2007, pp. 1–7.

[41] Interviews with Rune Engeset, Regional Program Manager, NPA, Phnom Penh, 28 April 2008; and Sam Sotha, CMAA, in Geneva, 2 June 2008.

[42] Telephone interview with Rune Engeset, NPA, 12 August 2008. Three operators, CMAC, HALO and MAG, provided CMAA with updated datasets that NPA has been attempting to reconcile. Email from Gerhard Zank, HALO, 2 September 2008.

[43] CMAA, “National Mine Action Strategy, Third Edition,” Phnom Penh, March 2005, p. 7.

[44] Ibid.

[45]Interviews with Sam Sotha, CMAA, in Geneva, 3 June 2008; and Steve Munroe, UNDP, Phnom Penh, 28 April 2008.

[46] CMAA, “Five Year Mine Action Plan 2005–2009,” Phnom Penh, April 2005, p. 6.

[47] CMAA, “National Strategy on Explosive Remnants of War,” Phnom Penh, January 2008, p. 9.

[48] Ibid, p. 12.

[49] Ibid, pp. 12–13.

[50] Ibid, pp. 13–14.

[51] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 223.

[52] HALO, “Mine clearance in Cambodia–2008,” 2008, p. 9.

[53] Interview with Sam Sotha, CMAC, in Geneva, 3 June 2008.

[54] Technical Working Group on Mine Action Meeting, “Summary Report,” 18 October 2007.

[55] CMVIS, HI, NPA and UNICEF, “A Study on the Dramatic Decrease of Mine/UXO Casualties in 2006 in Cambodia,” February 2007; and see also Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 223.

[56] CMAA, “Mine Action Achievements Report 2007 and Work Plan 2008,” p. 8, provided by email from Tong Try, CMAA, 18 August 2008. Of the four companies, the CMAA reported only BACTEC was active.

[57] Interview with Burt Kearney, General Manager, Asia, BACTEC, Phnom Penh, 30 April 2008.

[58] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 221.

[59] Technical Working Group on Mine Action Meeting, “Summary Report,” 18 October 2007, p. 4.

[60] “2nd batch of Cambodian deminers return from peace keeping missions in Sudan,” Xinhua, 10 June 2008, news.xinhuanet.com.

[61] Dave McCracken, “National Explosive Remnants of War Response Study, Cambodia,” draft, NPA and CMAA, Phnom Penh, March 2006, p. 18. Available data sources include an UNTAC Mine Liaison Team Survey (1992–1993); HALO Survey (1992–1993); CMAC Verification Survey (1996–1997); and the databases of CMAC, HALO, and MAG.

[62] CMAC found that more than 15% of land designated for clearance in its 2003 workplan was not included in the LIS.

[63] HALO, “The need to document reclaimed land on the National Mine Area Database in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 16 September 2005, p. 2.

[64] Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 5 June 2008.

[65] CMAC, “Annual Report 2007,” 2008, p. 30.

[66] Email from Khun Ratana, Chief of Secretariat, CMAC, 11 August 2008.

[67] CMAC, “Annual Report 2007,” 2008, pp. 6, 29, 31, and 34.

[68] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 225.

[69] CMAA, “Mine Action Achievements Report 2007 and Work Plan 2008,” pp. 1, 14, provided by email from Tong Try, CMAA, 18 August 2008.

[70] Interview with Heng Rattana, Deputy Director-General, CMAC, Phnom Penh, 28 April 2008.

[71] CMAC, “Annual Report 2007,” 2008, p. 29.

[72] These were Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Speu, and Mondolkiri.

[73] Interview with Heng Rattana, CMAC, Phnom Penh, 28 April 2008; and CMAC, “Annual Report 2007,” 2008, p. 8.

[74] Interview with Heng Rattana, CMAC, Phnom Penh, 28 April 2008.

[75] CMAC, “Annual Report 2007,” 2008, p. 29.

[76] Interview with Heng Rattana, CMAC, Phnom Penh, 28 April 2008; and “Engaging with local communities in Mondulkiri, Cambodia,” BHP Billiton, www.bhpbilliton.com.

[77] CMAC, “Annual Report 2007,” 2008; emails from Tim Porter, Programme Manager, HALO, 24 March 2008; Rupert Leighton, Country Programme Manager, MAG, 17 March 2008; Tong Try, CMAA, 18 March 2008; and Gerhard Zank, HALO, 1 September 2008.

[78] Telephone interview with Tim Porter, HALO, 1 May 2008; HALO, “Mine clearance in Cambodia–2008,” 2008, p. 11; and email from Gerhard Zank, HALO, 1 September 2008.

[79] Email from Rupert Leighton, MAG, 10 April 2008.

[80] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 225.

[81] Interview with Rupert Leighton, MAG, Phnom Penh, 28 April 2008.

[82] Email from Khun Ratana, CMAC, 11 August 2008.

[83] Email from Ash Boddy, Deputy Programme Manager, HALO, 9 August 2008; and email from Gerhard Zank, HALO, 1 September 2008.

[84] Email from Rupert Leighton, MAG, 13 August 2008.

[85] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 226.

[86] Update on National Mine Action Strategies in Cambodia, Conference, Administrative School, Phnom Penh, 6 November 2007. The conference was attended by 400 participants including cabinet members, senior representatives of RCAF, national police, the CMAA, relevant ministries and national institutions, and provincial authorities (governors and vice governors) as well as all national and international mine action development partners.

[87] Interview with Sam Sotha, CMAA, in Geneva, 3 June 2008.

[88] Email from Lydia Good, UNDP, 3 September 2008.

[89] Dave McCracken, “National Explosive Remnants of War Study, Cambodia,” (draft), NPA and CMAA, Phnom Penh, March 2006, pp. vii, 73.

[90] Unless otherwise specified all information in this section is based on CMVIS data provided by Cheng Lo, Data Management Officer, CMVIS, Phnom Penh, 17 June 2008.

[91] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 229.

[92] CMVIS, “Annual Report 2007,” Phnom Penh, August 2008, p. 18.

[93] Data from CMVIS, 1 January to 30 June 2008, provided by email.

[94] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 229.

[95] CMVIS, “Annual Report 2007,” Phnom Penh, August 2008, pp. 9–11.

[96] Email from Chhiv Lim, Project Manager, CMVIS, 11 August 2008.

[97] Email from Hugo Hotte, Humanitarian Mine Action Program Manager, HI, 8 August 2008.

[98] Ibid.

[99] Ibid; and email from Chhiv Lim, CMVIS, 11 August 2008.

[100] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 231.

[101] Ibid.

[102] Information provided by email from Chhiv Lim, CMVIS, 23 July 2008.

[103] Austcare, “Assessment of Landmine Survivors and Victims Needs Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey Provinces, Kingdom of Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, July 2007, pp. 25, 32; and see Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 231.

[104] Email from Teresa Carney, Programme Coordinator, ARC, 11 August 2008. This survey is dependent on international funding. Email from Sheree Bailey, Victim Assistance Specialist, Implementation Support Unit, GICHD, 30 August 2008.

[105] Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form J; and CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 11–27.

[106] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 227.

[107] CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 1, 28, 32–34; see Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 228; and Landmine Monitor Report 2006, p. 259.

[108]See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 228; and CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, p. 6.

[109] CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 5, 13, 15, 21.

[110] Ibid.

[111] Response to Landmine Monitor questionnaire by Dos Savathana, MRE Project Manager, HI, 28 May 2008; and email from Hugo Hotte, HI, 2 September 2008.

[112] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 227.

[113] Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form I; and CCW Amended Protocol II Article 13 Report (for the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007), Form A.

[114] CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, p. 5.

[115] Ibid, pp. 6–30.

[116] Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form I; CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 6, 14–21, 26, 29; and response to Landmine Monitor questionnaire by Chan Monty, Project Manager, Community Strengthening and Gender Mainstreaming in Integrated Mine Action, WVC, 29 May 2008.

[117] Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form I; and CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 11–13.

[118] Ibid, Form J; and Ibid, pp. 25–27.

[119] CMAC, “Annual Report: January–December 2007,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 44–61; CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, p. 10; and Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form J.

[120] Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form I; and CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 14–15.

[121] CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, p. 15; response to Landmine Monitor questionnaire by Chhiv Lim, CMVIS, 16 May 2008; and Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form J.

[122] Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form J; response to Landmine Monitor questionnaire by Chan Monty, WVC, 29 May 2008; and CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 21–22.

[123] Email from Hugo Hotte, HI, 2 September 2008.

[124] Response to Landmine Monitor questionnaire by Dos Savathana, HI, 28 May 2008; CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 28–30; and Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form J.

[125] CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 22–23; and Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form J.

[126]Ibid, pp. 16–20.

[127] Article 7 Report (for calendar year 2007), Form J; and CMAA, “Annual Activity Report, 1 January–31 December 2007, National Mine/UXO Risk Education and Risk Reduction Coordination in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 20–21.

[128] ICRC, “Physical Rehabilitation Programme: Annual Report 2007,” Geneva, May 2008, p. 32.

[129]See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 231; US Department of State, “2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Cambodia,” Washington, DC, 11 March 2008; Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008; and Statement of Cambodia on Victim Assistance and National Objectives, Ottawa Convention Implementation and Universalization Workshop, Bali, 25–27 February 2008.

[130] Austcare, “Assessment of Landmine Survivors and Victims Needs, Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey Provinces, Kingdom of Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, July 2007, pp. 2, 46.

[131] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 231; and Austcare, “Assessment of Landmine Survivors and Victims Needs, Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey Provinces, Kingdom of Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, July 2007, pp. 47–48.

[132] Austcare, “Assessment of Landmine Survivors and Victims Needs, Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey Provinces, Kingdom of Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, July 2007, p. 52; Kendra J. Gregson, et al., “Evaluation of the Physical Rehabilitation Sector in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, 27 October 2006, p. i; and see Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 231.

[133] Statement of Cambodia, Seventh Meeting of States Parties, Geneva, 19 September 2006.

[134] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 236.

[135] Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008; and MSVY and DAC, “National Community Based Rehabilitation Coordination, Final Pilot Project Report, Aug 2006–July 2007,” Phnom Penh, 2007, p. 4.

[136] Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008.

[137] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 232; Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008; and Article 13 Report (for the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007), Form B.

[138] See Landmine Monitor Report 2006, p. 272.

[139] US Department of State, “2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Cambodia,” Washington, DC, 11 March 2008.

[140] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 232; and Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008.

[141]UN, “Final Report, First Review Conference,” Nairobi, 29 November–3 December 2004, APLC/CONF/2004/5, 9 February 2005, p. 99.

[142]“Final Report of the Sixth Meeting of States Parties/Zagreb Progress Report,” Zagreb, 28 November–2 December 2005, APLC/MSP.6/2005/5, 5 April 2006, Part II, Annex V, pp. 122–128.

[143] Statement of Cambodia on Victim Assistance and National Objectives, Ottawa Convention Implementation and Universalization Workshop, Bali, 25–27 February 2008.

[144] Response to Landmine Monitor letter campaign for VA25 countries by Ith Sam Heng, Minister, MSVY, 24 April 2008.

[145] Statement of Cambodia, Eighth Meeting of States Parties, Dead Sea, 21 November 2007.

[146] Statement of Cambodia on Victim Assistance and National Objectives, Ottawa Convention Implementation and Universalization Workshop, Bali, 25–27 February 2008.

[147] Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008.

[148] Response to Landmine Monitor letter campaign by Ith Sam Heng, MSVY, 24 April 2008.

[149] “Status of the development of SMART victim assistance objectives and national plans,” Geneva, 23 April 2007, pp. 20–21; Presentation by Long Sothy, then-Director, DAC, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 24 April 2007; Statement of Cambodia, Eighth Meeting of States Parties, Dead Sea, 21 November 2007; “Mid-Term Review of the Status of Victim Assistance in the Context of the AP Mine Ban Convention and the Nairobi Action Plan in the 24 Relevant States Parties,” Dead Sea, 21 November 2007, pp. 23–24; Statement of Cambodia on Victim Assistance and National Objectives, Ottawa Convention Implementation and Universalization Workshop, Bali, 25–27 February 2008; response to Landmine Monitor letter campaign by Ith Sam Heng, MSVY, 24 April 2008; and Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008.

[150] Article 7 Report, (for calendar year 2007), Form J; and Article 13 Report (for the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007), Form B.

[151] Email from Sheree Bailey, GICHD, 30 August 2008.

[152] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 234; and CMAA, “Mine Action Achievements Report 2006,” Phnom Penh, 6 March 2007, Annexes C and D. The CMAA did not respond to repeated emails requesting information on its VA activities or reports.

[153] Email from Teresa Carney, ARC, 11 August 2008.

[154] DAC, “Annual Report 2007,” Phnom Penh, 2008, pp. 11–22; and emails from Ung Smabath, Program Manager, DAC, 1 and 6 August 2008; and Teresa Carney, ARC, 28 May and 11 August 2008.

[155] Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008; and emails from Teresa Carney, ARC, 28 May and 11 August 2008.

[156] Emails from Teresa Carney, ARC, 28 May and 11 August 2008; and Kingdom of Cambodia, “National Victim Assistance Action Plan 2008–2011,” Sixth draft, 30 May 2008, provided by email from Landmine Monitor researchers Denise Coghlan and Ny Nhar, 2 June 2008.

[157] Response to Landmine Monitor letter campaign by Ith Sam Heng, MSVY, 24 April 2008.

[158] Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008; and emails from Teresa Carney, ARC, 28 May and 11 August 2008.

[159] ICRC, “Physical Rehabilitation Programme, Annual Report 2007,” Geneva, May 2008, pp. 32–33.

[160] Statement of Cambodia on Victim Assistance and National Objectives, Ottawa Convention Implementation and Universalization Workshop, Bali, 25–27 February 2008; and Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008.

[161] See Landmine Monitor Report 2007, p. 236.

[162] Statement of Cambodia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 3 June 2008; and MSVY and DAC, “National Community Based Rehabilitation Coordination, Final Pilot Project Report, Aug 2006–July 2007,” Phnom Penh, 2007, pp. 4, 6, 9–10.

[163] Email from Paolo Busoni, Statistician, Emergency, 7 August 2008.

[164]ICRC, “Physical Rehabilitation Programme: Annual Report 2007,” Geneva, May 2008, pp. 32–33.

[165]Email from Pining McAndrew, Interim Country Director, VI, 12 August 2008.

[166] Response to Landmine Monitor questionnaire by and email from Hugo Hotte, HI, 27 June and 8 August 2008; and HI, “Annual Report 2007,” Phnom Penh, August 2008, p. 9.

[167] Response to Landmine Monitor questionnaire by and email from Lucile Papon, Programme Director, HI, 6 June and 11 August 2008.

[168]Raw Physical Rehabilitation Center statistics for DAC reporting provided by email from Ny Nhar, 22 May 2008.

[169] Response to Landmine Monitor questionnaire by Chan Monty, WVC, 29 May 2008.

[170] Information provided by email from Phireak Mom, Mine Risk Education/Risk Reduction Program Coordinator, CRC, 8 August 2008.

[171] CMVIS, “Annual Report 2007,” Phnom Penh, August 2008, p. 11; and HI, “Annual Report 2007,” Phnom Penh, August 2008, p. 15.

[172] Email from Kong Mao, Project Manager, Cambodian War Amputees Rehabilitation Society, 8 August 2008.

[173] Emails from Ung Smabath, DAC, 1 and 6 August 2008; email from Teresa Carney, ARC, 11 August 2008; and see Landmine Monitor Report 2007, pp. 237–238.

[174] CMAA, “Cambodian Strategy and 2005–2009 Plan to Implement Article 5 of the Ottawa Convention,” Nairobi, 29 November–3 December 2004, 26 January 2005, pp. 5–7.

[175] Ibid, p. 4.

[176] UN, “Country Profile: Cambodia,” www.mineaction.org.

[177] Statement of Australia, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 27 April 2007; and information provided by email from Teresa Carney, ARC, 11 August 2008.

[178] Article 13 Report, Form E, 2 April 2008. No specific breakdown of funds was provided for implementing agencies and ministries in 2007. See Landmine Monitor Report 2007 for breakdown of funds reported in 2006.

[179] Interview with Sam Sotha, CMAA, Phnom Penh, 15 June 2007.

[180] UN, “Country Profile: Cambodia,” www.mineaction.org.

[181] Email from Anne Villeneuve, Advocacy Officer, HI, 6 June 2008, with information from Béatrice Ravanel, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Henry Zipper de Fabiani, National Commission for the Elimination of Anti-personnel Mines (Commission nationale pour l’élimination des mines antipersonnel).

[182] Article 13 Report, Form E, 2 April 2008.

[183] Email from Lydia Good, UNDP, 3 September 2008; and see also UNDP, “Clearing for Results gives hope to villagers,” 16 September 2008, www.un.org.kh.

[184] “2nd batch of Cambodian deminers return from UN peacekeeping missions in Sudan,” Xinhua (Phnom Penh), 10 June 2008, news.xinhuanet.com.

[185] Emails from Yasuhiro Kitagawa, Japan Campaign to Ban Landmines (JCBL), 22 May 2008, with translated information received by JCBL from the Humanitarian Assistance Division, Multilateral Cooperation Department, and Conventional Arms Division, Non-proliferation and Science Department; Leisa Gibson, AusAID, 29 April and 8 May 2008; Tayo Nwaubani, Programme Officer, DfID, 29 April 2008; Carly Volkes, Program Officer, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, 20 May 2008; and Niek de Regt, Humanitarian Aid Section, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2008; Spain Article 7 Report, Form J, 30 April 2008; and emails from Sirpa Loikkanen, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1 February 2008; Johannes Dirscherl, Desk Officer, Federal Foreign Office, 1 February 2008; Michael Keaveney, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Department of Foreign Affairs, 13 March 2008; Yngvild Berggrav, Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2008; and Tessy Seidenthal, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1 April 2008; and New Zealand Article 7 Report, Form J, 24 April 2008.