Strengthening Regional Mine Action Collaboration in Laos
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
31
Aug
Strengthening Regional Mine Action Collaboration in Laos
On 22 August 2024, ARMAC led by Executive Director Ms. Rothna Buth, in partnership with the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), continued their regional tour with an insightful visit to Laos. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Bounpheng Sisawath, Acting Director General of the National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action Sector in the Lao PDR (NRA).
During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to exchange valuable experiences with the Lao PDR National Regulatory Authority, gaining a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and successes in Lao’s mine action efforts. The visit included a comprehensive overview of NRA’s operations and a tour of the national UXO training center, providing firsthand insights into the rigorous training and preparedness activities underway in the country.
This visit, following our fruitful discussions in Thailand, is a testament to our commitment to fostering international cooperation in mine action. It highlights the importance of sharing best practices and uniting our efforts to create a safer, mine-free world.
Together, we continue to build a strong regional network dedicated to overcoming the legacies of unexploded ordnance and advancing peace and security in Southeast Asia.
21
Aug
Fostering Global Synergy in Mine Action
Fostering Global Synergy in Mine Action
On 20 August 2024, ARMAC, under the leadership of Executive Director Ms. Rothna Buth, had the honor of hosting a distinguished delegation from the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) in Thailand.
The delegation, led by H.E. Mr. Elchin Amirbayov, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on special assignments, and Mr. Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the ANAMA Board, was warmly received by Lt. General Nattawut Sabyeroop Director General of the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC).
This meeting was more than just a discussion; it was a significant step towards deepening international cooperation in humanitarian mine action. Ms. Rothna Buth captured the essence of the visit, stating:
“This is not merely an exchange of knowledge, but a critical opportunity to unite our efforts across regions. The presence of our Azerbaijani colleagues underscores the global nature of our shared mission to create a safer, mine-free world.”
The delegation’s regional tour, which will also include visits to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, aims to bolster collaboration between ANAMA and the ASEAN region, reflecting our collective commitment to peace and security.
Let’s continue to work together to transform challenges into shared victories.
12
Aug
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) hosted a courtesy visit from distinguished representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
On 9 August 2024, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) hosted a courtesy visit from distinguished representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC):
Mr. Paht Tanattanwin, Head of Operations
Mr. Landerloos Stefaan, Weapon Contamination Manager
Mrs. Margherita D’Ascanio, Regional Legal Adviser
During the visit, ARMAC and ICRC engaged in fruitful discussions on ongoing and future efforts to mitigate the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the ASEAN region.
20
Jul
ARMAC Executive Director had the privilege of meeting with the Embassy of Vietnam in Cambodia
Last week, we had the privilege of meeting with the Embassy of Vietnam in Cambodia. We discussed co-hosting a regional workshop aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and capacity building in humanitarian mine action, as well as supporting the Azerbaijan delegation’s visit to Vietnam.
Thank you to the Embassy of Vietnam for the warm hospitality and ongoing support!
11
Jul
We were honored to host Ms. Ilene Cohn, Director of UNMAS, and Mr. Richard Boulter, Chief of Design, Operational Support and Oversight, at the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC)
We were honored to host Ms. Ilene Cohn, Director of UNMAS, and Mr. Richard Boulter, Chief of Design, Operational Support and Oversight, at the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC).
Our Executive Director provided an in-depth briefing on the vital work ARMAC is undertaking in the region, reinforcing our commitment to promoting Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) standards, enhancing regional cooperation, and developing ARMAC as a center of excellence. Their visit underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving our strategic objectives and ensuring the safety and security of communities across ASEAN.
05
Jul
Inception Meeting, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Inception Meeting for The preparation of the Regional Workshop to Enhance Victim Assistance progamme in the ASEAN Member States
Last week, we had a productive inception meeting with the Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) to discuss the upcoming Regional Workshop on Enhancing Victim Assistance Programmes in ASEAN Member States. This important event is set to take place in Phnom Penh end of 2024.
The workshop will focus on:
Enhancing victim assistance data management Sharing best practices and innovative solutions Strengthening regional cooperation for victim supportA big thank you to our dedicated team members from ARMAC, CMAA, AKPMT, Exceed Worldwide, Preah Ket Mealea Hospital Royal , and Cambodian Army General Hospital.
A special acknowledgment to our donor, the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund, for their invaluable support in making these initiatives possible.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work together to enhance victim assistance across the region!
04
Jul
ARMAC hosted a fruitful follow-up meeting with the Embassy of New Zealand at our headquarters in Phnom Penh
Today, ARMAC hosted a fruitful follow-up meeting with the Embassy of New Zealand at our headquarters in Phnom Penh. Representing the embassy were Mr. Matthew Allen, First Secretary, and Ms. Natthanun Patcharapunchai, Development Programme Coordinator.
This meeting served as a continuation of our previous discussions, during which we provided updates on ARMAC’s ongoing projects and explored avenues for future collaboration. We are grateful for New Zealand’s continuous support and commitment to ARMAC and Mine Action in the ASEAN region.
The insights and support from Mr. Allen and Ms. Patcharapunchai are invaluable as we strive to enhance the national mine action management capacities of ASEAN Member States, promote humanitarian mine action standards, and develop ARMAC into a regional center of excellence.
Together, with continued support from partners like New Zealand, we are confident in our mission to mitigate the dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war, ensuring safer and more prosperous communities across ASEAN.
04
Jun
Our Executive Director, Ms. Rothna Buth, represented ARMAC at the prestigious 3rd International Conference on Mine Action themed “Mitigating Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for Safe and Green Future in Baku, Azerbaijan
We are deeply honored that our Executive Director, Ms. Rothna Buth, represented ARMAC at the prestigious 3rd International Conference on Mine Action themed “Mitigating Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for Safe and Green Future in Baku, Azerbaijan. This pivotal event united international leaders and experts to confront the critical environmental impacts of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Ms. Buth’s participation as a panelist on the Global Imperatives for Environmental Mitigation underscored our unwavering commitment to empowering communities through collaborative and innovative approaches. Her passionate remarks highlighted the urgent need for green humanitarian mine action, leveraging advanced technologies, and adopting sustainable practices to heal our land and safeguard our future.
We extend our profound gratitude to ANAMA and UNDP for their exceptional hospitality and for orchestrating such an impactful and successful conference. The connections forged and the knowledge exchanged at this event are vital strides toward our shared vision of a safer, greener world.
Together, we are not just clearing mines; we are restoring hope, rebuilding communities, and nurturing the environment for generations to come.
03
Jun
We were honored to welcome the French embassy delegation to ARMAC,
We were honored to welcome the French embassy delegation to ARMAC today. Led by Ambassador Jacques Pellet, Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Fabrice Etienne, and Battalion Chief Cyprien Martin, PKO Project Head and Adviser to the Director General of NPMEC, the visit marked a significant step towards fostering future collaboration.
ARMAC’s Executive Director, Rothna Buth, had the pleasure of hosting this friendly and productive meeting. We discussed potential avenues for cooperation and ways to strengthen our efforts in humanitarian mine action.
ARMAC is committed to enhancing regional collaboration and developing as a center of excellence. We look forward to working closely with our French partners to achieve these goals.
Sidebar: