PHNOM PENH: Deputy Chairman of the Mine Authority, Ly Thuch, said that the work of rescuing victims of landmines and explosive remnants is not only a humanitarian issue, but it is a human rights and public health issue as well that requires commitment, support and joint action from many parties to ensure that the victims of unexploded war remnants can be treated and the lives of them their families and their communities can be improved.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Third Victim Assistance Global Conference on the Rights of Survivors of Anti-Personnel Mines and Other Explosive Ordnance in Disability Rights on October 17, Ly Thuch emphasized that the conference, supported by members of the Ottawa Convention, shows the commitment of all present to address the needs of victims of landmine explosions and to ensure the devastation caused by the remnants of war does not continue.

He highlighted the importance of mine action relief and the need to integrate disaster relief into national policies and legal frameworks to ensure that all victims have full support and access to rights. The coalition also reflects the obligations of the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

He spoke about the progress and achievements in mine action in Cambodia and praised the private sector and development partners who are jointly committed to achieving success for Cambodia in demining work.

The global conference aims to provide input into the Ottawa Convention Action Plan and provide a global forum for communities and victims of landmine explosions to express their concerns and share their experience, knowledge, technology and new ideas in assisting those affected by the explosions of war remnants.