ARMAC at the 28th Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and UN Advisers (NDM-UN28)
Geneva, Switzerland | 9–11 April 2025
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
13
Apr
ARMAC at the 28th Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and UN Advisers (NDM-UN28)
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was proud to participate in NDM-UN28, a premier global forum for mine action, hosted by the United Nations and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).
ARMAC’s Executive Director, Ms. Rothna Buth, served as a panelist at the side event “Mines to Minds: Advancing Research, Innovation, and Technology in Humanitarian Mine Action”, co-organized by UNDP and ANAMA (Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
In her intervention, Ms. Buth highlighted ARMAC’s regional role in advancing innovation in mine action, including:
– Leveraging AI for Explosive Ordnance Risk Education through the S.A.F.E. Chatbot
– Strengthening regional knowledge exchange and collaboration
– Exploring the establishment of an ASEAN-based Regional Innovation Node for Mine Action
Participation in NDM-UN28 reflects ARMAC’s ongoing commitment to promoting a mine-free ASEAN by enhancing cooperation, advancing innovation, and aligning mine action with sustainable development priorities.
ARMAC extends sincere appreciation to the Government of Switzerland, the United Nations, GICHD, and all partners for supporting this meaningful dialogue.
Together, we move from mines to minds—forging pathways toward safer, more resilient communities across ASEAN and beyond.
07
Apr
ARMAC Convenes National Consultation in Viet Nam to Advance Victim Assistance for Explosive Ordnance Survivors
ARMAC Convenes National Consultation in Viet Nam to Advance Victim Assistance for Explosive Ordnance Survivors
Ha Noi, Viet Nam — 4 April 2025
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) hosted a National Consultation Workshop on the Feasibility Study on Physical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Needs Support for Explosive Ordnance (EO) Victims and Other Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, on 4 April 2025. The workshop is a pivotal step in ARMAC’s broader mission to enhance victim assistance across ASEAN Member States (AMS), ensuring that survivors of EO incidents receive the comprehensive support they need.
The event, organized in partnership with the Viet Nam Association for Supporting UXO/Mine Action Efforts (VNASMA) and the Viet Nam National Mine Action Center (VNMAC), drew key stakeholders from across sectors, including government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental groups, and representatives of the disability community. Additional technical and research expertise was provided by SingHealth (Singapore), Peace Sharing Association (PSA) and Yonsei University (South Korea), reinforcing the region’s commitment to evidence-based approaches in victim assistance. This important initiative has been made possible with the generous support of the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), whose unwavering commitment continues to enable and advance our shared efforts to support EO victims across the region.
Opening the workshop, Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, emphasized the fundamental principle that victim assistance must go beyond medical treatment. “This is about restoring dignity, fostering independence, and ensuring inclusion,” she stated. “We are here not just to analyze needs, but to translate research into tangible improvements that empower victims and enable them to rebuild their lives.”
A Regional Effort to Strengthen Victim Assistance
The Viet Nam study builds upon ARMAC’s ongoing research and engagement in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Lao PDR, underscoring the organization’s regional commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of EO survivors. This initiative is part of a broader effort to develop a comprehensive and rights-based victim assistance framework that integrates medical care, psychosocial support, and socioeconomic reintegration, ensuring that survivors are not left behind.
“Today’s discussions have been invaluable,” Ms. Buth noted. “By bringing together policymakers, experts, and the disability community, we are not only identifying service gaps but also crafting actionable recommendations. The success of our collective efforts will be measured by how well we translate these insights into policies and programs that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Bridging Gaps in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Support
The Feasibility Study aims to assess Viet Nam’s existing victim assistance landscape, identifying critical service gaps and areas for improvement in both physical rehabilitation and mental health care. Key focus areas include:
- Expanding access to prosthetics and rehabilitation services for EO survivors, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
- Strengthening mental health and psychosocial support systems, ensuring that survivors receive culturally appropriate counselling and trauma care.
- Promoting economic empowerment and social inclusion, enabling EO survivors and persons with disabilities to participate fully in their communities and the workforce.
The workshop convened 56 participants, including representatives from government agencies, development organizations, rehabilitation centers, civil society, and the private sector. Their collective expertise and input will be instrumental in shaping policy recommendations that are practical, inclusive, and impactful.
A Call for Continued Regional Collaboration
In her closing remarks, Ms. Buth reaffirmed ARMAC’s commitment to regional cooperation. “I extend my deepest gratitude to our partners—VNASMA, VNMAC, SingHealth, PSA, Yonsei University, and all participants—for their dedication to this cause,” she said. “This is a shared responsibility, and together, we will continue working to ensure that no survivor is left behind.” Their partnership, along with AKCF support, has been instrumental in advancing victim assistance programs across the region and ensuring meaningful impact.
As the workshop concluded, Ms. Buth expressed her hope for continued collaboration, urging participants to carry forward the momentum of the discussions. “May you travel with the same sense of purpose and commitment that you have demonstrated here,” she said. “And may our collective efforts bring lasting change to the lives of EO survivors and their families.”
About ARMAC:
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) is a regional center of excellence established under the ASEAN framework to support Member States in addressing the humanitarian and developmental impacts of explosive ordnance. ARMAC fosters regional cooperation, builds technical capacities, and provides expertise to ensure that all affected communities are equipped to recover from the effects of war and move forward in peace and security.
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
06
Apr
A Fitting Conclusion to Our Vietnam Mission: Championing Victim Assistance and Regional Solidarity
A Fitting Conclusion to Our Vietnam Mission: Championing Victim Assistance and Regional Solidarity
As our mission across Vietnam concludes, ARMAC had the honor of visiting the Rehabilitation Center at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi.
Hosted by the Director of the Center, we witnessed firsthand the transformative care being provided to survivors of explosive ordnance (EO).
From physical rehabilitation to psychosocial support, the center embodies the values of compassion, resilience, and dignity that are at the core of ARMAC’s mission.
This visit reaffirmed our shared commitment to victim assistance—a key component of humanitarian mine action and one of the priorities in ARMAC’s Strategic Framework 2023–2027 .
It also underscored the importance of regional cooperation in building capacity and delivering integrated support services that help survivors regain independence and live with dignity.
Earlier in the journey, we engaged with communities and survivors in Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Hue provinces. These meaningful exchanges deepened our understanding of the ongoing needs for physical and mental rehabilitation across affected areas and highlighted the importance of inclusive and sustainable development.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our key Vietnamese partners—the Vietnam Association for Supporting UXO/Mine Action Efforts (VNASMA) and the Vietnam National Mine Action Center (VNMAC)—for their generous hospitality and steadfast support.
Special thanks as well to the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) for their unwavering backing of this initiative, which exemplifies how ASEAN partnerships can drive transformative change.
We are also deeply grateful to our project collaborators—SingHealth (Singapore), the Peace Sharing Association (PSA), and Yonsei University (South Korea)—whose expertise and dedication continue to enhance the quality and impact of our victim assistance efforts across ASEAN.
This mission represents more than a series of site visits—it marks a shared journey of learning, solidarity, and action. As we return, we carry forward the insights, relationships, and renewed commitment to our vision: a mine-free ASEAN where no one is left behind.
Together, we advance peace, dignity, and resilience in the region.
03
Apr
Heading to Hanoi for the National Consultative Workshop!
Heading to Hanoi for the National Consultative Workshop!
Our team is on the move and heading to Hanoi for the National Consultative Workshop on Physical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Needs for Explosive Ordnance (EO) Victims tomorrow. Before we depart to Hanoi, we’re wrapping up our visit to Thua Thien Hue Province, where we’ve been meeting with EO victims and engaging with local stakeholders to assess their rehabilitation needs and mental health support.
We had an insightful focus group discussion with EO victims, including inspiring survivors such as a national athlete and a professional singer. Their stories of strength and resilience are truly moving.
We also had the privilege of meeting a survivor at his home to learn more about his daily life and the challenges he faces as he works toward reintegration.
As we conclude this phase of our study, we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s National Consultative Workshop in Hanoi, where we’ll bring together experts, stakeholders, and government officials to discuss how we can further improve victim assistance efforts across ASEAN.
We are grateful for the support from VNMAC, VNASMA, and our key partners: SingHealth, Yonsei University, and especially for the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) for walking alongside us on this journey. Together, we are strengthening victim assistance frameworks in Vietnam and the entire ASEAN region.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue this important work.
02
Apr
ARMAC Supports Enhanced Victim Assistance in Vietnam
ARMAC Supports Enhanced Victim Assistance in Vietnam
We are proud to announce the commencement of the Feasibility Study on Physical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Needs Support for Explosive Ordnance (EO) Victims and Other Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam.
This initiative is a key component of ARMAC’s Enhanced Victim Assistance Programme, supported in close collaboration with the Vietnam National Mine Action Center (VNMAC), the Vietnam Association for Supporting UXO/Mine Action Efforts (VNASMA), and our esteemed partners SingHealth and Yonsei University.
Quang Binh, a province heavily impacted by UXO contamination, continues to bear the legacy of past conflicts. Beginning in Dong Hoi, our team engaged with local Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) and EO survivors to assess needs and identify pathways to improve access to physical rehabilitation and mental health services.
We conducted focused interviews with individuals aged 15–45, capturing their lived experiences and aspirations for recovery and reintegration.
We also visited the Association for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (AEPD) and the Health Department in Bo Trach District. In Lien Trach Commune, we listened to powerful testimonies from EO survivors whose resilience continues to inspire our mission.
This initiative represents ARMAC’s commitment to a people-centered, inclusive ASEAN, in line with our vision to be a center of excellence in mine action and a driver of sustainable, rights-based assistance.
By fostering regional and international collaboration, this project enhances capacity building and contributes to ASEAN’s shared goals of peace, security, and social development.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) for making this project possible.
Every voice we hear strengthens our commitment to ensure no one is left behind in the path to recovery and dignity.
Stay connected as we expand our efforts across ASEAN, championing the rights and needs of EO victims and persons with disabilities.
02
Apr
Victim Assistance in Focus: Enhancing Support in Thua Thien Hue Province
Victim Assistance in Focus: Enhancing Support in Thua Thien Hue Province
As part of ARMAC’s mission to support a mine-free and inclusive ASEAN, our Feasibility Study on Physical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Needs for Explosive Ordnance (EO) Victims and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) continues in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam.
This study is an integral part of the Enhanced Victim Assistance Programme—made possible through the collaborative efforts of ARMAC, VNMAC, VNASMA, SingHealth, Yonsei University, and the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF).
Our team traveled from Quang Binh to Phu Vang District, where we met with the Rehabilitation Department of the Phu Vang Health Center to assess rehabilitation services available to EO victims and PWDs.
We also engaged directly with survivors, including both men and women, as well as local authorities, to understand the physical, psychosocial, and economic challenges they face.
Thua Thien Hue, like many areas across ASEAN, is home to EO survivors who often lack access to comprehensive rehabilitation, mental health, and reintegration services.
By gathering these insights, ARMAC and its partners aim to strengthen victim assistance frameworks not only in Vietnam but throughout the region.
This effort embodies our commitment to the ASEAN Political-Security Community’s vision of a people-oriented, people-centered, and inclusive region.
Through multi-stakeholder partnerships and evidence-based planning, we strive to ensure that no survivor is left behind.
Our work continues—and with it, our unwavering dedication to peace, security, and human dignity.
31
Mar
Voice of Victims Documentary: A Powerful Journey Begins in Quang Tri
Voice of Victims Documentary: A Powerful Journey Begins in Quang Tri
We are proud to share that filming has officially commenced for the Voice of Victims Documentary on Sunday, March 30, in Quang Tri Province, Viet Nam—a region deeply marked by the legacy of war and one of the most heavily affected areas by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Southeast Asia.
This documentary aims to amplify the voices of survivors of explosive ordnance (EO), highlighting their resilience, strength, and determination. Quang Tri, situated near the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), continues to face the challenges posed by landmines and UXO. These hazards not only endanger lives but also hinder recovery, development, and security.
Through personal narratives, the documentary underscores the urgency for comprehensive victim assistance, including physical rehabilitation, mental health support, and socioeconomic reintegration—aligned with ARMAC’s commitment to a mine-free ASEAN and the ASEAN Political-Security Community’s people-centered goals.
This production follows previous filming efforts in Myanmar, Thailand, and Lao PDR, and will conclude in Cambodia. Each country offers unique perspectives that together shape a shared regional understanding of the human impact of explosive remnants of war.
We are honored to collaborate with the Quang Tri Provincial Mine Action Center (QTMAC), the Viet Nam National Mine Action Center (VNMAC), and local partners, who share our dedication to ensuring that the stories of EO survivors are heard and their needs acknowledged.
We are also deeply grateful to the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) for their steadfast support, which enables this meaningful initiative to move forward.
To the survivors, their families, and all contributors—thank you for your courage and trust. Your voices are vital in driving action, awareness, and hope.
Stay connected with us as we continue to document this journey and advocate for stronger victim assistance mechanisms across the region.
26
Feb
TURNING PAIN INTO POWER: A PATH FORWARD FOR UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE SURVIVORS IN LAO PDR
TURNING PAIN INTO POWER: A PATH FORWARD FOR UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE SURVIVORS IN LAO PDR
ARMAC Hosts National Consultative Workshop on Victim Assistance for UXO Survivors with Regional & International Stakeholders
VIENTIANE, Lao PDR — February 21, 2025
The legacy of war does not fade when the fighting stops. In Lao PDR, where unexploded ordnance (UXO) still scars the land and its people, primarily a result of the Indochina Wars (1964–1973). Over two million tons of ordnance, including 270 million cluster munitions were dropped on Lao PDR, making it the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. This workshop was a crucial step toward changing that.
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), in partnership with the National Regulatory Authority (NRA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR and key stakeholders, hosted a National Consultative Workshop on Victim Assistance—a pivotal gathering to assess the feasibility of expanded physical rehabilitation and mental health support for those affected by explosive ordnance. The event, held at the Lao Plaza Hotel, brought together government officials, local and international NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and medical experts committed to improving the lives of UXO survivors and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The event was supported by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) as part of the “Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in the ASEAN Member States” project.
According to the NRA’s operational report, more than 1,200 lives have been lost to UXO in Lao PDR since 1996. Those who survive often face lifelong injuries, limited access to medical care, and profound psychological trauma. The workshop provided a critical forum to discuss solutions, ensuring that victims receive the rehabilitation, prosthetics, psychosocial support, and economic opportunities needed to reclaim their lives.
“Every survivor has a right to heal, to thrive, and to contribute to their community,” said Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, in her opening remarks. “Our work is about more than treatment—it is about restoring dignity, independence, and hope. We turn pain into power, and research into real change.”
A Regional Effort with Global Support
The workshop was attended by key figures in the humanitarian and diplomatic community, including Mr. Lee Dongkyu, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to Lao PDR, and Mr. Bounpheng Sisawath, Director General of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA). Both reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to addressing the ongoing humanitarian impact of UXO contamination.
The “Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in ASEAN Member States” project is a regional effort that includes studies conducted in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. The Lao PDR study is the fourth in the series, with Viet Nam as the next in line. These studies are not merely academic—they are designed to shape actionable policies, guiding governments and NGOs in delivering targeted interventions that address survivors’ most pressing needs.
The ROK, through the AKCF, has provided vital financial support, reinforcing its role as a dedicated partner in ASEAN’s mine action efforts. The project also benefits from SingHealth and Yonsei University’s technical expertise which has further strengthened the initiative, ensuring that research translates into real, on-the-ground impact.
Beyond Statistics: The Human Cost of UXO
The workshop was not just a forum for policy discussions—it was a space for survivors’ voices to be heard. Interactive sessions and expert presentations highlighted the urgent need for community-based mental health services, which remain scarce in many parts of Lao PDR. The psychological toll of UXO accidents—anxiety, PTSD, and social stigma—can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, yet mental health support is often overlooked in victim assistance programs.
One clear takeaway from the discussions: rehabilitation cannot be treated as an afterthought. Access to prosthetics, vocational training, and inclusive education must be part of a long-term, sustainable strategy to empower survivors, allowing them to reintegrate fully into society.
A Commitment to No One Left Behind
The challenge ahead is significant, but the message from the workshop was clear—progress is possible through sustained collaboration.
ARMAC and its partners are committed to ensuring that no UXO survivor is left behind, advocating for a comprehensive, rights-based approach to victim assistance that encompasses medical care, psychological support, and socioeconomic inclusion.
About ARMAC:
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) is a regional center of excellence established under the ASEAN framework to support Member States in addressing the humanitarian and developmental impacts of explosive ordnance. ARMAC fosters regional cooperation, builds technical capacities, and provides expertise to ensure that all affected communities are equipped to recover from the effects of war and move forward in peace and security.
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
-The End-
25
Feb
Celebrating Cambodia’s 26th National Mine Awareness Day
Celebrating Cambodia’s 26th National Mine Awareness Day
ARMAC congratulates Cambodia on the 26th National Mine Awareness Day, marking another milestone in the nation’s commitment to a mine-free future. This day underscores Cambodia’s leadership in mine action, inspiring the region through its dedication to demining, victim assistance, risk education, and capacity building.
Today, ARMAC had the privilege of participating in the official commemoration in Banteay Meanchey Province, alongside distinguished guests including H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of CMAA; H.E. Oum Reatrey, Governor of Banteay Meanchey Province; Ms. Alissar Chaker, Resident Representative of UNDP Cambodia; and Ms. Kristy Harries, Development Counsellor of the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh. The event brought together over 1,200 participants—government officials, development partners, demining operators, diplomats, educators, religious leaders, and survivors—demonstrating the collective commitment to mine action.
In her remarks, ARMAC Executive Director Ms. Rothna Buth reaffirmed our commitment to supporting Cambodia and ASEAN in advancing mine action through regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and capacity development. We commend CMAA for its leadership and extend our gratitude to all partners working toward a safer and more inclusive future for affected communities.
As Cambodia moves closer to its mine-free goal, ARMAC remains dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation to ensure lasting impact across the region.
Once again, congratulations to Cambodia on this significant occasion!
24
Feb
Field Study and Collaboration in Xieng Khouang Province, Lao PDR
Field Study and Collaboration in Xieng Khouang Province, Lao PDR
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance victim assistance across ASEAN, ARMAC—alongside SingHealth, Yonsei University of South Korea, and our dedicated filming team—had the privilege of meeting Mr. Syvone Onlavong, General Director of the Xieng Khouang Province Department of Foreign Affairs.
Our discussions focused on the Feasibility Study on Physical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Support for Explosive Ordnance (EO) Victims and Other Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lao PDR.
This study is a key component of ARMAC’s Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in ASEAN Member States (VA Project), which is strengthening victim assistance efforts across Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and now Lao PDR.
Our objective is to assess the needs of UXO survivors and enhance rehabilitation services, ensuring that survivors’ voices are not only heard but also inform meaningful policy and programmatic changes.
In addition to field research, we are also documenting the lived experiences of survivors through the Voice of Victims documentary. This initiative aims to amplify the resilience and challenges of those affected by explosive ordnance, shedding light on their path to recovery and empowerment.
We express our deepest gratitude to the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) for making this work possible, as well as to our key partners, the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Lao PDR, for their invaluable cooperation in facilitating this study.
Their continued commitment to improving victim assistance and survivor support is essential in building a more inclusive and resilient region.
This is just the beginning. As we advance our study in Lao PDR, we look forward to sharing more insights and working together toward a future where every UXO survivor has access to comprehensive support services, rehabilitation, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
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