Deepening Cooperation in Humanitarian Mine Action: CMAC Director-General Meets JICA President

Strategic Insights -

Cambodia's history of war and its ongoing struggle with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) have been a significant challenge for the country's development. The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), led by Director-General Heng Ratana, has made remarkable progress in clearance efforts, thanks in part to the sustained support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A recent meeting between Ratana and JICA President Tanaka Akihiko aimed to deepen cooperation in the field of humanitarian mine action, with a focus on the South-South Cooperation Project and the ongoing support of Japan for Cambodia's mine clearance efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • CMAC has made remarkable progress in mine clearance efforts over the past 27 years, thanks in large part to JICA's sustained support, including the provision of over 50 heavy clearance machines to the Cambodian government.
  • The meeting between Ratana and Tanaka underscored the importance of continued collaboration in mine action between Cambodia and Japan, with a focus on the South-South Cooperation Project, which supports CMAC in sharing its mine clearance expertise with other countries affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war.
  • Ratana emphasized the need for continued Japanese support for Cambodia's mine clearance efforts, particularly over the next five years, during the extended period of the Ottawa Convention, through to 2030.
  • The partnership between CMAC and JICA has been a key factor in Cambodia's progress in mine action, with CMAC recognized as a leading institution in the sector.
  • The South-South Cooperation Project has provided a platform for CMAC to share its expertise and support other countries in their mine clearance efforts.

Statistics:

  • 27 years: The amount of time CMAC has been working on mine clearance efforts
  • 50: The number of heavy clearance machines provided by JICA to the Cambodian government for mine clearance
  • 5 years: The timeframe during which Cambodia seeks continued Japanese support for mine clearance efforts, through to 2030

Sources:

  • CMAC Director-General Heng Ratana
  • JICA President Tanaka Akihiko
  • The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC)
  • The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)