Government Decides to Release Additional US$30 Million for Mine Clearance

The Royal Government of Cambodia has decided to release an additional US$30 million from its savings for mine and UXO clearance to reach the goal of mine-free Cambodia by 2025.
The decision was announced by Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen in a Facebook post this evening, adding that this Mine Action Fund will be under the management of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
“Dear beloved compatriots, the budget of US$18,473,570 donated by Their Majesties the King and Queen-Mother and philanthropists for mine action was used up by the morning of Dec. 1, 2022,” he wrote.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen continued that in order to ensure the mine-free Cambodia by 2025, he had discussed with H.E. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance to release the Royal Government’s savings of US$30 million into the Mine Action Fund.
This budget, together with development partners’ funds, can continue the mine and UXO clearance operations in Cambodia in 2023, he said, stressing that in case of shortage and for 2024 and 2025, the Cambodian Mine Action Authority shall work with the Ministry of Economy and Finance to prepare an annual budget.
Samdech Techo Prime Minister also took the opportunity to call on philanthropists to continue their support as much as possible in order to provide safe ground with smiles to people. “May 2025 be a year without deaths, injuries and a year of smiles after bieng hit by landmines for 55 years (1970-2025),” he underlined.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press