Armenian delegations observed demining training at the Technical Institute of Mine Action (TIMA) in Kampong Chhnang province on October 20–23. CMAC
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has established a working group to offer socio-economic support to individuals with disabilities caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), aiming to enhance the quality of life for these individuals.
CMAC director-general Heng Ratana shared on social media recently that this initiative aligns with the 7th-mandate government’s policy.
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He specified that the initial phase of the project will be carried out in Pursat, Battambang, Pailin and Banteay Meanchey provinces. Skilled experts have undergone training and received necessary equipment to begin the project’s implementation as per the plan.
“The working group is tasked with carrying out crucial activities, including disseminating educational messages about landmines, gathering ERWs, offering in-home prosthetic repair services, conducting health screenings and consultations for individuals with disabilities, and establishing disabled communities,” he said.
This working group also assesses family economic development needs by offering training in agricultural technical skills and support for establishing small-scale businesses.
It will also gather information and evidence related to individuals with disabilities, compiling them as historical documents to be archived and disseminated at the
Techo Santepheap Museum, focusing on consequences of war in Cambodia.
In a separate initiative, from October 20–23, the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), CMAC, and UN Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a study tour for an Armenian delegation to share experiences in the field of mine action.
During the visit, the delegation observed demining training at the Technical Institute of Mine Action (TIMA) in Kampong Chhnang and visited the Battambang Physical Rehabilitation Centre in Battambang province.
On October 23, Ratana held a meeting with the Armenian delegation, led by Vaghinak Sargsyan, executive director of Armenia’s Centre for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise (CHDE), to exchange experiences and enhance cooperation between the two organisations.
According to Ratana, the CHDE expressed significant interest in CMAC’s technical expertise and the efficiency of its demining operations. CMAC’s approach involves a collaborative effort with demining specialists, equipment, machinery, dogs and rats to detect landmines.
CHDE delegations also visited CMAC’s demining sites in Kampong Chhnang, Battambang and Pailin provinces.
In the first nine months of this year, there were 27 victims of landmines and ERWs.
The provinces with the highest number of casualties were Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang and Ratanakkiri.
