Get rid of UXO before rebuilding, urges CMAA

A sign warns of white phosphorus contamination in Oddar Meanchey province. KT/Khem Sovannara

Synopsis: CMAA First Vice-President Ly Thuch urges coordinated mine clearance in border provinces before repairs are made to schools, temples, and homes damaged by Thai shelling.

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has urged ministries and local authorities in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces to coordinate clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) before repairing schools, temples, homes, and other facilities damaged during the recent military conflict.

In an exclusive interview with Khmer Times on Wednesday, CMAA First Vice-President Ly Thuch said that ensuring the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) is essential for the safe return of residents and the reconstruction of public infrastructure.

“CMAA has informed the relevant ministries and stakeholders, including pagodas, schools, health centres, residential areas, temples, and agricultural land along the border, about the necessity of coordinating clearance efforts,” he said.

“The request for collaboration with mine action authorities and other relevant parties is essential to gather comprehensive data and carry out necessary clearance work,” Thuch said. “This ensures safety for teams who will repair or reconstruct schools, health centres, and other public facilities before residents return to affected homes.”

Border clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops from July 24 to 28 this year left casualties, forced mass evacuations, and shut down border crossings and temple sites. Thuch accused Thai forces of using heavy weaponry banned under international law, including cluster munitions, which are a long-term threat for Cambodian civilians, especially children.

“Even though a ceasefire has been declared, hidden explosive remnants still pose risks at any time when people farm,” he added.

Thuch said that schools, pagodas, health centres, residential areas, temples, and agricultural land must have priority clearance before reconstruction begins. He added that border temples and heritage sites must not reopen to tourists until demining is complete and the security situation stabilises.

“Before any repairs to schools or health centres can start, we must ensure that all necessary mine clearance has been completed,” Thuch added, noting that clearance efforts may vary depending on the specific conditions in each border area.

The CMAA is working with the military and local authorities to identify high-risk zones and prioritise clearance operations. However, Thuch acknowledged that a comprehensive survey of minefields along the Cambodia-Thailand border, launched in November 2024 and originally due by mid-2025, has been delayed due to the ongoing clashes.

According to the National Committee for Disaster Management report, as of Tuesday, four provinces recorded 6,262 displaced families totalling 20,691 people, with 595 families having returned home.

In a recent meeting with Enrico Gaveglia, the new UNDP Representative in Cambodia, Thuch called for more UNDP support to fund impact assessments and clearance efforts carried out by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre.
-Khmer Times-