PHNOM PENH: Cambodia hosted the Third Global Conference on the Relief of Landmine Victims and Explosive Ordnance Disposal in the Context of Disability Rights at the Sofitel Hotel in Phnom Penh this week. Senior Minister and First Deputy Chairman of the Mine Authority, Ly Thuch, gathered with Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein, ambassadors, mine victims, and delegates from the Ottawa Convention to discuss the issues related to landmines across the globe.

During his opening speech Senior Minister and First Deputy Chairman of the Mine Authority, Ly Thuch, emphasized that the effort to rescue victims of landmines and explosive remnants is not merely a humanitarian endeavor. It is a matter of human rights and public health, demanding strong commitment, support, and collaborative effort from all stakeholders. This is particularly crucial from the member states of the Ottawa Convention who must ensure the care of landmine victims and improve the lives of victims, their families and their communities. “The victims of landmines are not mere citizens. They are living, breathing souls. Mothers who raise their children, fathers who protect their families, children with dreams yet to be fulfilled, hardworking farmers and individuals who through no fault of their own found themselves in the cruelty of destiny. These people carry the weight of both visible and hidden scars etched on their bodies,” he said.

Jess Markt , representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said that his committee employs a comprehensive approach to aid victims of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and various manifestations of violence and conflict. “The ICRC takes a multi-level approach to assisting victims of the landmines and unexploded ordnance and other forms of violence and war,” he said. “We conduct education and awareness activities to ensure the people are aware of the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance”.

Thomas Göbel, President of the Anti-Personnel Mine agreement known as the Ottawa Convention, said the conference will play a crucial role in developing a new action plan at next year’s review conference in Cambodia. “We are doing very, very important preparatory work if you want. Because we will have to decide next year at the review conference on a new action plan and this has to be prepared,” he said. “I think discussions at conferences like this would be very important to this regard. And the issue and topic of victim assistance is the key pillar of the convention.”

Senior Minister Ly Thuch finished the press conference by thanking all the delegates for their compassion and commitment towards those who are living with disability.

The primary objective of this week’s conference is to contribute to the Ottawa Convention Action Plan. Furthermore, it serves as a worldwide platform for communities, mine victims, and those affected by explosive remnants to voice their concerns and challenges and exchange experiences, knowledge, technologies, and innovative ideas pertaining to the rescue and support for the victims of landmines and unexploded war remnants.