Today, 5 February 2026, at CMAC’s headquarters, Mr. Hans Peter Risser, the Resident Representative of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) in Cambodia, and I formally signed a new partnership agreement. This agreement aims to strengthen humanitarian mine action efforts and support Cambodia’s progress toward becoming a mine-free country.

The agreement facilitates a joint project between NPA and CMAC to advance peace and security through the survey and clearance of landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Cambodia. The project is funded through a $5,000,000 award from the U.S. Department of State to NPA. From this total, $4,000,000 is granted to CMAC for operational activities, while $1,000,000 is allocated to NPA for key initiatives such as capacity building, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), and project management. Activities include comprehensive land release of cluster munition remnants, improved nationwide response to explosive hazards, and the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) along the Cambodian-Thai border.
It is vital to note that, in addition to existing contamination, Cambodia remains heavily affected by cluster bombs, chemical substances, and various UXO. An estimated 441,595 hectares across 340 villages remain contaminated. This spans seven provinces: Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong, and Siem Reap. In Oddar Meanchey province alone, the affected area totals 40,471 hectares across 145 villages.
NPA has been a longstanding partner of CMAC since 1992. This enduring collaboration has contributed significantly to reducing explosive threats, restoring land for productive use, and enhancing national mine action capacity. Through this continued partnership, NPA and CMAC remain committed to improving the safety and well-being of communities across the country.
On behalf of the affected communities and CMAC staff, I wish to express our special thanks to Samdech Thipadei, Prime Minister of the Royal Government, and President Donald J. Trump, as well as the people and Government of the United States, for their continued support of this important partnership. This reflects a longstanding U.S. commitment to safeguarding communities, expanding access to safe land, and promoting long-term peace and stability in Cambodia.

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