PhnomPenhPost-Nov 20, 2023
A Cambodian delegation is en route to Geneva, Switzerland, to formally accept leadership responsibilities for the Ottawa Convention in 2024. This precedes next year’s Fifth Review Conference in Siem Reap, making Cambodia the first Asian country to undertake this role. Ly Thuch, the first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), disclosed this during a recent CMAA press conference addressing the preparation for the Fifth Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty. “The global community views Cambodia as among the most successful demining nations in the transition from conflict to peace. These factors have fostered trust from the Ottawa Convention’s committee and member countries, leading them to select Cambodia as the host for the summit,” Thuch underscored. The Ottawa Convention, a UN treaty with 164 member countries, seeks to advance the prohibition of anti-personnel mines’ use, stockpiling, production, transfer and their subsequent destruction. Scheduled for November 2024 in Siem Reap, the summit will gather nearly 200 countries to discuss demining efforts, with the participation of Prime Minister Hun Manet. The Ottawa Convention aims to address the global impact of these weapons, leading to pain, suffering, hardship, death and disability. Read more at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodia-to-become-first-asian-host-of-mine-summit
