ARMAC Partners with SingHealth for Advanced Training in Psychosocial Support
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
17
Sep
ARMAC Partners with SingHealth for Advanced Training in Psychosocial Support
Phnom Penh, September 16, 2024 — The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), in collaboration with the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authorities (CMAA), the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), will host the sixth installment of its Psychosocial Support Training of Trainers (T.O.T) program. This five-day event, scheduled from September 16 to 20, 2024, marks a milestone in ARMAC’s continued efforts to enhance victim assistance across ASEAN.
Building on the success of five previous training sessions organized under the ‘Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in the ASEAN Member States’ (Victim Assistance or VA) Project, the upcoming T.O.T will focus on strengthening mental health care for survivors of landmines and explosive ordnance (EO) in the region. Since its launch in 2022, this project has empowered 247 trainees—comprising medical professionals, community workers, and survivor networks—greatly advancing regional capabilities in victim assistance.
Psychosocial Care: The Next Frontier
ARMAC’s Executive Director, Ms. Rothna Buth, highlighted the importance of addressing the mental health challenges faced by victims: “This program allows us to tackle the psychological scars that persist long after the physical wounds have healed. Partnering with SingHealth will empower local professionals to provide essential mental health services, creating a sustainable network of support across ASEAN.”
H.E. Ms. Teo Lay Cheng, Singapore’s Ambassador to Cambodia, echoed these sentiments: ” Today’s event is a powerful testament of our collective dedication to improving mental health care for survivors of landmines and explosive remnants of war. Singapore is proud to support this initiative, and our partnership with ARMAC reflects our shared goal of enhancing healthcare systems across ASEAN, especially for communities impacted by conflict.
The training will be held at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh and will cover trauma management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), therapeutic communication, and practical tools for supporting survivors emotionally. The curriculum is designed to provide participants with hands-on experience through role-playing exercises and case studies, ensuring that they are well-equipped to train others in their respective communities.
A Regional Focus on Victim Assistance
The collaboration between ARMAC, CMAA, and SingHealth highlights the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in addressing the long-term needs of EO survivors. H.E Mr. Sophakmonkol Prum, Vice President of CMAA, emphasized the necessity of such programs: “Cambodia has been severely affected by landmines and ERW. By enhancing psychosocial support, we can ensure that survivors are not only physically rehabilitated but also mentally resilient.”
The collaboration between ARMAC, CMAA, and SingHealth highlights the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in addressing the long-term needs of EO survivors. H.E Mr. Sophakmonkol Prum, Vice President of CMAA, emphasized the necessity of such programs: “Cambodia has been severely affected by landmines and ERW. By enhancing psychosocial support, we can ensure that survivors are not only physically rehabilitated but also mentally resilient.”
In addition to the Vice President of CMAA, the training will also feature participation from the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Cambodia, further underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing healthcare for mine victims.
A Milestone in Regional Cooperation
This sixth T.O.T session is a significant step in ARMAC’s broader strategy of building regional expertise in psychosocial victim assistance. This collaboration will foster a self-sustaining model where local trainers can continue this vital work in their communities, making a lasting impact
ARMAC and its partners extend their deepest appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Korea and the ASEAN Korean Cooperation Fund (AKCF) for their generous support in funding this project. Their continued commitment has been instrumental in ensuring that victims across ASEAN receive the comprehensive care they need.
The event will conclude on September 20, with participants receiving certification as accredited trainers, capable of passing on their expertise to others in their respective countries.
ARMAC: Leading the Charge in Humanitarian Mine Action
Since its establishment, ARMAC has played a crucial role in addressing the humanitarian impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war. By collaborating with leading institutions like SingHealth, ARMAC is reinforcing its position as a center of excellence in victim assistance, ensuring that the physical and psychological needs of survivors across the ASEAN region are met.
04
Sep
ARMAC Executive Director Meets with New Country Directors of Norwegian People’s Aid in Cambodia and Thailand
ARMAC Executive Director Meets with New Country Directors of Norwegian People’s Aid in Cambodia and Thailand
ARMAC Executive Director Ms. Rothna Buth had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Hans Risser, the new Country Director of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) for Cambodia, and Mr. Jan Erik Stoa, the new Country Director of NPA for Thailand.
During this courtesy meeting, ARMAC extended congratulations to both Mr. Risser and Mr. Stoa on their new appointments. The discussion also touched upon the upcoming 5th Review Conference, focusing on shared efforts to tackle explosive ordnance issues in the region.
Norwegian People’s Aid is a global humanitarian organization working to support communities affected by conflict and landmines, with a long-standing commitment to mine action and explosive ordnance risk reduction.
We look forward to further strengthening our partnership to ensure safer communities in Cambodia, Thailand, and beyond!
03
Sep
ARMAC had the honor of meeting with the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC), led by Lt. Gen. Nattawut Sabyeroop
ARMAC and ANAMA Explore Innovative Demining with APOPO in Siem Reap
On August 29, 2024, ARMAC Executive Director Miss Rothna Buth, along with Mr. Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), visited the APOPO center in Siem Reap.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Mick Raine, Country Director of APOPO, who provided an insightful tour of the center’s activities.
Humanitarian deeming in Cambodia remains a complex and challenging task, requiring innovative solutions. Therefore, the delegation engaged in detailed discussions about APOPO’s unique operations in the country, focusing on the use of specially trained rats for landmine detection.
This visit included a briefing on APOPO’s clearance methodologies and the land release approach they implement in Cambodia.
The innovative techniques demonstrated by APOPO are a powerful reminder of the diverse methods needed to tackle the landmine problem.
While these approaches show great promise, continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential to enhance the effectiveness of mine action across the region.
This visit highlighted the importance of integrating new technologies and methodologies in our collective mission to create a safer, mine-free Cambodia.
03
Sep
ARMAC and ANAMA Strengthen Ties with Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC)
On August 27-28, 2024, ARMAC Executive Director Miss Rothna Buth, along with Mr. Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), had the honor of visiting the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC).
The delegation was warmly received by H.E. Heng Ratana, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of CMAC, who provided a comprehensive briefing on Cambodia’s demining situation and CMAC’s extensive operations across the country.
Cambodia remains heavily impacted by landmines, necessitating innovative and persistent efforts in demining. The delegation visited CMAC’s training center in Kampong Chhnang province, where H.E. Um Phumro, Deputy Director General of CMAC, introduced them to the center’s state-of-the-art training facilities.
The delegation learned about the structure of various training courses, including dog training and harvesting programs, essential for effective demining.
Ensuring the safety of communities goes beyond training; it requires on-the-ground operations. Therefore, on August 28, the delegation visited CMAC operations in Popel Commune, Soutr Nikom District, Siem Reap province, where they observed the multi-toolbox approach in action, including both animal and mechanical clearance methods.
Following the minefield visit, the delegation met with minefield beneficiaries and explored the Techo Peace Museum, which offers a rich documentary history of Cambodia’s clearance efforts.
This visit not only strengthened our partnership with CMAC but also deepened our understanding of the challenges and successes in Cambodia’s journey towards a mine-free future.
The path ahead is still fraught with obstacles. Therefore, our continued collaboration and commitment are crucial for achieving long-term peace and safety in the region.
02
Sep
Expanding Collaboration at Quang Tri Mine Action Center
Expanding Collaboration at Quang Tri Mine Action Center
ARMAC Executive Director Ms. Rothna Buth and Mr. Samir Poladov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), continued their mission in Vietnam with a visit to the Quang Tri Mine Action Center (QTMAC).
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Dinh Ngoc Vu, Vice Director of QTMAC, who provided a comprehensive briefing on the center’s vital operations in one of Vietnam’s most heavily impacted regions.
The visit included a tour of the QTMAC Visitor Center, where representatives from PeaceTrees Vietnam and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) shared insights into their collaborative efforts in demining, risk education, and victim assistance.
This exchange highlighted the crucial role of local and international partnerships in addressing the legacy of unexploded ordnance in Quang Tri province.
This visit underscores our shared commitment to building safer communities through effective mine action. By strengthening ties with regional centers like QTMAC, we are advancing our collective mission to reduce the threat of explosive remnants of war and promote long-term peace and development in affected areas.
02
Sep
Strengthening Partnerships in Mine Action: ARMAC & ANAMA Visit Vietnam
Strengthening Partnerships in Mine Action: ARMAC & ANAMA Visit Vietnam
ARMAC Executive Director Ms. Rothna Buth, alongside Mr. Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), had the honor of visiting the Vietnamese National Mine Action Center (VNMAC).
The delegation was warmly received by Mr. Lequang Hop, VNMAC Deputy General Director, who provided an insightful briefing on VNMAC’s critical role, responsibilities, and ongoing operations in mine action across Vietnam.
The meeting served as an excellent platform to discuss shared goals and challenges in mine action. VNMAC’s detailed presentation offered a deeper understanding of their comprehensive efforts in demining and explosive ordnance risk reduction, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in ensuring the safety and development of affected communities.
ARMAC and ANAMA leaders also shared the purpose of their regional visit, highlighting the significance of international cooperation in mine action and the need for continuous knowledge exchange to achieve our common objective: a mine-free and secure future.
This visit marks another significant step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen regional ties and advance our shared mission of eliminating the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan – ANAMA
02
Sep
ARMAC and ANAMA Strengthen Collaboration with CMAA in Cambodia
ARMAC and ANAMA Strengthen Collaboration with CMAA in Cambodia
On August 26, 2024, ARMAC Executive Director Miss Rothna Buth, accompanied by Mr. Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), and H.E. Mr. Shovgi Mehdizada, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Vietnam, Lao PDR, and Cambodia, visited the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).
Cambodia’s journey towards becoming mine-free requires continuous efforts and strategic planning. Therefore, the delegation was warmly received and briefed by H.E. Prum Sophakmonkul, Vice President of CMAA, and H.E. Ly Panharith, Secretary General of CMAA, on CMAA’s operations and future plans.
The visit included a tour of CMAA’s Database Unit, where the delegation observed the meticulous work involved in tracking and managing demining activities across the country.
Effective mine action relies heavily on accurate data and robust operational strategies. Therefore, the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and sharing expertise to further strengthen Cambodia’s mine action capabilities.
This visit reinforced the strong partnership between ARMAC, ANAMA, and CMAA, highlighting the ongoing commitment to a safer and mine-free Cambodia.
The challenges ahead remain significant. Therefore, continued collaboration and innovative solutions are crucial as we work towards our shared goal of a mine free ASEAN and world.
31
Aug
Strengthening Regional Mine Action Collaboration in Laos
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.
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