Phnom Penh: The United Nations Development Programme will continue providing funding for landmine clearance in Cambodia through 2025. By the end of that year, it will have provided $85-million for demining since 2006.

The outgoing UNDP’s representative in Cambodia, Mr. Nick Beresford, attended a farewell meeting on Tuesday with Senior Minister Mr. Ly Tuch, who is also the First Vice President of Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, the CMAA. He says the targeted provinces for the UNDP's ongoing assistance are Battambang, Pailin and Banteay Meanchey. The Minister thanked the UNDP for being a “strong partner who has worked tirelessly and actively with the CMAA”. He also expressed his gratitude for its financial and technical support.

Mr. Beresford says the UNDP is proud of its work in Cambodia, contributing to the country's development as well as its mine clearance activities for the benefit of humanity.

Landmine clearing is a major project in the country. In addition to the UNDP, the demining organisation APOPO is also hard at work clearing landmines, in Siem Reap. It’s all part of the stated mission of the Royal Government to declare Cambodia “landmine free” in 2025.