PHNOM PENH: Hosting the 5th Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also recognized as The Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World, is a responsibility that Cambodia embraces wholeheartedly.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, the Senior Minister in Charge of Special Missions, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and President of the 2024 Ottawa Convention, highlighted the significance of the event during a press conference held in Phnom Penh. Cambodia is set to host this crucial summit in Siem Reap province from November 25-29, 2024.
“Cambodia’s unique history makes us an ideal host for this Summit. As one of the most heavily mined nations in the world, we have faced the devastation of these weapons firsthand. Through international cooperation and our relentless efforts, we have cleared millions of mines and provided comprehensive assistance to survivors,” stated H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch. “Cambodia stands as an exa
mple of what is possible through collective action, determination, and hope.”
The conference will convene 164 States Parties, high-level government representatives, technical experts, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders who share a unified goal to assess progress under the Convention, tackle persistent challenges, and lay the groundwork for accelerated efforts towards a mine-free world, he pointed out.
According to H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, the 5th Review Conference aims to evaluate the operation and status of the Convention, make decisions on submissions by States Parties regarding their obligations under Article 5, which mandates mine clearance, determine the need for and timing of future meetings to ensure continued accountability and momentum, and adopt key documents that will guide States Parties in implementing the Convention effectively.
The Summit will focus on the adoption of three transformative documents: the Review Document, Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan (2025-2029), and Siem Reap-Angko
r Political Declaration.
“The outcomes of this Summit will shape the future of global mine action. The adoption of the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan will provide a robust framework to accelerate progress, building on the successes of past action plans while addressing new realities. Together, we can make significant strides toward achieving the dream of a mine-free world by 2029,” emphasized the CMAA first vice president.