Together for a Mine-Free Cambodia: VALLON Supports Government Dialogue 2025
After three decades of war, Cambodia faces an immense challenge: 1,697 square kilometers of land remain contaminated with explosive ordnance. During a high-level dialogue at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed the goal of a mine-free Cambodia by 2030 – and VALLON was there.
Significant Progress, Shared Challenges
The numbers speak for themselves: By the end of 2024, 3,297 square kilometers of land had been cleared of explosive ordnance – a crucial contribution to the country's safety and economic development. Despite all successes, major challenges remain: 469 km² contaminated with landmines, 681 km² with cluster munitions, and 547 km² with explosive remnants of war still endanger around one million people.
"Mine action in Cambodia has saved lives, transformed dangerous land into areas for development, and contributed significantly to improving the living conditions of our people," emphasized Prime Minister Hun Manet. "However, we need continued support to achieve the goal of a mine-free Cambodia by 2030."
Technical Expertise in the Service of Safety
As a long-standing partner of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), VALLON employs a holistic approach: from deploying state-of-the-art detectors to comprehensive training of local experts. Direct exchange with teams on the ground is central to every mission – because only this way can technologies be optimally adapted to local conditions.The conversation between our Managing Director Markus Vallon and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia has emphasized the importance and clearly highlighted the significant responsibility VALLON bears in this ongoing mission.
The dialogue in Phnom Penh once again made clear: Clearing explosive ordnance is not just a matter of safety but also an essential building block for the country's economic development. Cleared areas now serve agriculture, infrastructure development, and tourism – directly improving the living conditions of the population.
Partnership for Sustainable Development
On the eve of the high-level dialogue, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, First Vice President of the CMAA, hosted a reception that underscored the importance of international cooperation. From diplomatic representatives to technical experts, NGOs, and the private sector – the broad alliance against the mine threat impressively demonstrates what joint action can achieve.
The global commitment to a mine-free Cambodia exemplifies how technical expertise, local knowledge, and international engagement can interlock. As part of this worldwide community, VALLON is proud to contribute with every detector deployed, every training program conducted, and every expert exchange facilitated.
The Path to a Mine-Free Cambodia 2030
Cambodia has already requested two extensions for its mine clearance goals: first for 2010-2019 and then for 2020-2025. For the third extension from 2026-2030, the country remains committed to its obligations under the Ottawa Treaty and is working vigorously toward the goal of a mine-free country by 2030.
This path continues to require the commitment of all partners – and VALLON will support this process with the highest technical competence and the deployment of cutting-edge detection technology.
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VALLON | Together we make the world safer.