It was an honour for ARMAC to meet H.E. Mr. LEE Jang-keun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, during our recent mission in Jakarta.
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
19
Jun
It was an honour for ARMAC to meet H.E. Mr. LEE Jang-keun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, during our recent mission in Jakarta.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for their enduring support through the ASEAN–Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF).
Since 2021, the Republic of Korea has generously committed over USD 2 million to our “Enhance Victim Assistance Programmes in ASEAN Member States” initiative—supporting survivors of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
This partnership is more than a project—it reflects shared values of dignity, resilience, and inclusivity.
Together, we work to ensure that communities affected by past conflicts are not left behind and have the support they need to heal and thrive.
During our dialogue, we reviewed our shared progress, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, and discussed upcoming initiatives, including a documentary to amplify the voices of survivors and raise regional awareness.
We deeply appreciate the Republic of Korea’s continued partnership in promoting humanitarian mine action and inclusive development across ASEAN.
18
Jun
ARMAC had the great honour of meeting with H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta
ARMAC had the great honour of meeting with H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
During this inspiring exchange, we reflected on ARMAC’s regional role in addressing the humanitarian impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) across ASEAN. As a Centre of excellence under the ASEAN Political–Security Community (APSC) pillar, ARMAC remains committed to contributing to ASEAN’s peace, security, and community-building goals.
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn’s visionary leadership and thoughtful guidance provided valuable direction for ARMAC’s current and future work. His emphasis on inclusive, people-oriented approaches, in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, reinforces our shared goal of building a UXO-free, resilient, and unified ASEAN—an ASEAN One where no one is left behind.
ARMAC expresses its deepest appreciation to H.E. the Secretary-General for his steadfast support and inspiration as we continue working together toward a Mine/UXO free and dignified future for all.
18
Jun
ARMAC was honored to meet with H.E. Mr. KIYA Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN
ARMAC was honored to meet with H.E. Mr. KIYA Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, to further strengthen our partnership and explore future collaboration in support of humanitarian mine action and regional resilience.
We deeply appreciate the Government of Japan’s steadfast support through the Japan–ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), and its continued commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development in ASEAN.
We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming H.E. Ambassador Kiya to the ARMAC Regional Centre in Phnom Penh, kingdom of Cambodia in the near future.
17
Jun
Strengthening Regional Mine Action Cooperation with China!
Strengthening Regional Mine Action Cooperation with China!
This morning in Jakarta, Indonesia, we were grateful to meet with Mr. Wang Daohao, Counsellor at the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, to advance our collaboration on the upcoming project: “Enhancing Operational Capacity in Mine/ERW Action through Provision of Essential Equipment in ASEAN Member States.”
The discussion reaffirmed our shared commitment to supporting mine-affected communities across the ASEAN region through practical, high-impact cooperation. This initiative reflects the strong and growing partnership between the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and the People’s Republic of China in promoting peace, safety, and sustainable development.
We sincerely value the continued support from the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and the Mission of China to ASEAN, and we look forward to the meaningful impact this collaboration will bring.
Together, we are clearing the path to peace and development in ASEAN.
We are excited to move this impactful initiative into action!
17
Jun
ARMAC’s Executive Director had the honour of meeting H.E. Heng Sarith, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia to ASEAN, at the Cambodian Embassy.
Jakarta, Indonesia – This afternoon, ARMAC’s Executive Director had the honour of meeting H.E. Heng Sarith, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Cambodia to ASEAN, at the Cambodian Embassy.
This meeting was a meaningful occasion to extend our sincere appreciation to the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) for its steadfast support. As ARMAC’s host country and a founding advocate of our mission, Cambodia’s leadership continues to be pivotal to our work.
Thanks to this enduring support, ARMAC is empowered to function as a regional centre of excellence—promoting humanitarian mine action, advancing victim assistance, and fostering stronger regional cooperation in ASEAN.
Operating from Phnom Penh, we proudly carry forward this mission, rooted in Cambodia’s deep experience and commitment to addressing the legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Together, we remain united in building a mine-free, resilient, and inclusive ASEAN.
17
Jun
In Jakarta, ARMAC Executive Director Ms. Buth Rothna met with H.E. Ms. Ina Lepel Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor-Leste, at the German Embassy
This afternoon in Jakarta, ARMAC Executive Director Ms. Buth Rothna met with H.E. Ms. Ina Lepel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor-Leste, at the German Embassy.
The meeting was an opportunity to convey ARMAC’s sincere appreciation for Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Germany’s longstanding support for humanitarian mine action, peacebuilding, and regional cooperation across ASEAN.
Discussions focused on future collaboration opportunities—including ongoing engagement with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)—to enhance mine action efforts and reinforce regional safety, sustainability, and resilience.
ARMAC is committed to strengthening partnerships that advance our shared goal: a mine-free, inclusive, and secure ASEAN.
10
Jun
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS | ARMAC Regional Workshop on NMAS Development
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS | ARMAC Regional Workshop on NMAS Development
Bangkok, Thailand – 10 June 2025The energy is high and the conversations are impactful!
Day 1 of the ARMAC–GICHD Regional Workshop on National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) launched with powerful engagement, technical exchange, and renewed commitment from across the region.
- ASEAN country briefings – highlighting national progress, ongoing challenges, and regional opportunities
- Deep dive into IMAS and the Land Release (LR) process
- Interactive group exercises on treaties, national responsibilities, and the relationship between IMAS, NMAS, and SOPs
“National Mine Action Standards are the foundation of any successful national ownership. They ensure safety, quality, and effectiveness in the field,” said Mr. Tamanikwa. “
Workshops like this strengthen collaboration and regional capacity. With support from the Governments of Canada and Switzerland through GICHD, we are making a lasting impact for affected communities,” added Mr. Ziaee.
Special thanks to GICHD for their technical leadership, and to the Governments of Canada and Switzerland for making this regional effort possible.
We’re just getting started — and the momentum is real. Stay tuned as we work together toward a safer, mine-free ASEAN.
10
Jun
ARMAC and GICHD Launch First-Ever Regional Workshop to Advance National Mine Action Standards in ASEAN
ARMAC and GICHD Launch First-Ever Regional Workshop to Advance National Mine Action Standards in ASEAN
BANGKOK, THAILAND – June 10, 2025 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), in collaboration with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), has officially launched the inaugural Regional Workshop on National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) Development, held from June 10 to 13 in Bangkok, Thailand.
This landmark event brings together around 40 participants, including senior representatives from ASEAN Member States’ national mine action authorities, international experts, and key stakeholders. The workshop marks a significant milestone in ARMAC’s mission to promote a mine-free ASEAN through enhanced regional cooperation and capacity development.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by:
• H.E. Mr. Shaharuddin Bin Onn, Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee and
Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia
• Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC
• General Saksit Sangchanintra, Director General of the Thailand Mine Action
Center (TMAC)
• Mr. Cainos Tamanikwa, Advisor at GICHD
“This is a historic occasion—not only is this ARMAC’s first regional workshop focused solely on NMAS, but it also represents our collective pledge to safer, mine-free communities,” said H.E. Mr. Shaharuddin Bin Onn. “NMAS are more than technical guidelines—they are life-saving frameworks essential for aligning national policies with global standards.”
The four-day program includes in-depth sessions on aligning NMAS with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), enhancing land release practices, and strengthening risk and quality management systems. Participants will engage in country briefings, interactive group exercises, and thematic presentations aimed at fostering harmonized and effective standards across the region.
Ms. Rothna Buth added, “By sharing experiences and aligning our approaches, we amplify our collective impact. ARMAC is proud to co-lead this effort with GICHD and reaffirm our role as a regional center of excellence in mine action.”
ARMAC extends its sincere gratitude to the Governments of Canada and Switzerland for their generous support to this initiative through GICHD, and to TMAC for their gracious co-hosting and continued leadership in humanitarian mine action.
This initiative aligns with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, reinforcing ASEAN’s vision for a peaceful, secure, and mine-free region.
For press inquiries, please contact:
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center
#29, Street 115, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh 120307, Cambodia
Tel: (+855) 23 221 354 / (+855) 23 221 364
Email: secretariat@aseanmineaction.org
End of Press Release
08
Jun
Towards a Mine-Free ASEAN: Cambodia Leads the Way
Towards a Mine-Free ASEAN: Cambodia Leads the Way
Today, ARMAC was honored to participate in the High-Level Dialogue on Mine Action with Donors and Development Partners in Phnom Penh.
Our Executive Director delivered heartfelt remarks celebrating Cambodia’s extraordinary strides in mine action and reaffirming ARMAC’s commitment to a mine-free ASEAN.
Under the visionary leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Cambodia has declared 15 provinces mine-free and released nearly 700 km² of land since 2022. This is not merely about statistics—it is about lives saved, communities revived, and futures reclaimed.
We commend the strategic stewardship of Senior Minister Dr. Ly Thuch and the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), whose model of coordination and innovation stands as a regional exemplar.
Cambodia’s unprecedented national ownership—funding over 80% of ARMAC’s operations—has empowered our center to drive regional coordination, cross-border victim assistance, and innovation in mine action.
ARMAC remains deeply committed to expanding this success across the region.
With Cambodia lighting the path, we move forward with purpose, unity, and determination toward our shared 2030 vision.
Together, we can achieve a mine-free future.
02
Jun
ARMAC Participates in the 15th ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA)
ARMAC Participates in the 15th ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA)
ARMAC proudly took part in the 15th ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action, held in Moscow, Russian Federation. The meeting was co-chaired by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Russian Federation, and brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners to exchange insights, experiences, and future plans related to mine action technology and innovation.
During the technical session on “Prospects for the Development of Mine Action Equipment,” ARMAC delivered a presentation on the evolving landscape of mine action in Southeast Asia. The presentation emphasized the importance of survivor-centered approaches and showcased innovative practices and regional cooperation mechanisms, including efforts to enhance interoperability, data systems, and the application of new technologies across ASEAN.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat, as well as the Co-Chairs—Lao PDR and the Russian Federation—for their excellent coordination and support in facilitating ARMAC’s participation and contribution to this important platform.
ARMAC’s participation highlighted the Center’s commitment to advancing technical exchange, promoting cross-border collaboration, and supporting the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025. This engagement also reflects ARMAC’s growing role in connecting ASEAN’s regional expertise with global innovations in humanitarian mine action.
Together, we continue to move toward a safer, mine-free ASEAN.
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