The mission of the CMC is to promote
the abolition of landmines in Cambodia and
to support self-independence of the survivors.
Landmines in Cambodia
It is estimated that there are still more than 600 million mines, or ERW remaining from previous conflicts in Cambodia (International Campaign to Ban Landmines, 2010). A number of NGOs, de-mining groups and Cambodian government agencies work hard to minimize the risk of accidents, yet the problem of landmine clearance is difficult, extremely dangerous and a costly and time-consuming activity. Because of this only 40 to 50 thousand mines/ERWs are able to be cleared each year. In terms of the mine clearance operations, areas which are “the most mine-affected” or where “the most accidents happen” are given priority over other suspected fields. However a recent decline in de-mining funds from international communities has eventually forced a reduction in the pace of de-mining activities. As a result, Mines/ERW have killed or injured innocent people, in particular children who are most vulnerable.
Donations
CMC has successfully built long-term partnerships with our counterparts of the CMAC (Cambodian Mine Action Centre) and the MAG (Mines Advisory Group) and we have contributed financial assistance for their humanitarian de-mining operations since 1998.
Research
Our aim of doing research is to avoid the increase of mines/ERW casualties around Cambodia. CMC Cambodia office staff visit the victims in mine affected areas on a regular basis and conduct surveys to learn about cause of accidents. This helps us to develop our mine awareness/risk education that the CMC works collaboratively with the CMAC which has continually succeeded to reduce the total numbers of landmines victims over the past fourteen years. Additionally, CMC is continually working on the improvement in living conditions for the victims. Our ultimate goal is that those people living in impoverished areas become self-sustained in the near future. We consider a lack of employment opportunities and access to education to be the main contributing factors in generating the cycle of poverty. Our challenge is to create the process and the solution to make their lives more valuable.
