ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
25 August 2021 – ARMAC is thankful to the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) for involving us in the TWG process, a synergy contributing to a successful implementation of the Cambodia’s NMAS 2018-2025 as it looks forward to reporting its progress and strategy going forward to members of the APMBC at the upcoming 19MSP later this year in the Netherlands.
ARMAC stands ready to coordinate, facilitate and cooperate with Cambodia and all other affected as well as non-affected ASEAN Member States (AMS) in addressing the humanitarian aspect of mine action, particularly supporting the implementation of Cambodia’s NMAS 2018-2025 and promoting regional cooperation.
The signing of MoU between ARMAC and CMAA in 2018 and the most recent implementation agreement between ARMAC and CMAA is a testament of resilience of the two entities despite the pandemic. ARMAC is looking forward to the new collaboration in the new project to establish victim assistance network as a regional platform for various stakeholders among the AMS, providing train-the-trainer course in the area of psychosocial support to victims as well as conducting research in “Mine/ERW Victim Assistance Inclusive Services in Cambodia,” and “Community Perspectives of Humanitarian Mine/ERW Action in Lao PDR and Viet Nam”.
(ARMAC, 25 August 2021)
19 August 2021 – ARMAC signed an agreement on Co-Implementation of the project “Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in the ASEAN Member States” with Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).
Executive Director of ARMAC, Mr. Prum Suonpraseth and Secretary General of CMAA, H.E. Mr. Prum Sophakmonkol signed on the agreement.
Phnom Penh 07 July 2021 – Representatives and senior officials of national mine action authorities, donor agencies and parties ended the one-day workshop on Achieving Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Landmine/Explosive Remnant of War (ERW)-Affected Countries with a promise to synergize efforts in mine action and a plan to develop a set of recommendations and strategy that links Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets in their national and regional level priorities.
The workshop was organized by the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Phnom Penh on 1 July in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The workshop was among a series of regional events planned this year by ARMAC to promote dialogue and strengthen cooperation in the mine action sector at the regional level. The workshop brought together stakeholders from ASEAN landmine/ERW affected countries and non-affected states, partners and stakeholders in the region.
In his opening statement, H.E. Mr. Sudirman Haseng Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Cambodia highlighted Indonesia’s commitment and active engagement with humanitarian mining activities in the region. He also stressed that, “Indonesia’s commitment mainly is channeled through ARMAC and the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting – Plus Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action. Ambassador Haseng said that “this workshop is to fulfil Indonesia’s commitment to support ARMAC, in particular its work relating to enhancing awareness programme on the dangers of mine / ERWs.”
Director General of ASEAN Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia H.E. Mr. Sidharto R. Suryodipuro emphasized the three key points relevant to the workshop: the importance of a comprehensive and holistic approach to address the threat of landmines and ERW should not be limited to security and humanitarian aspect. It also must take into account the development aspect, hence the achievement of SDGs; presence of strong national capacities that includes creating effective safeguards over explosives and materials, landmine clearance operations, and victims’ rehabilitation, while taking into account the rights of people affected by these weapons; and continuous international collaboration such as the ASEAN cooperation mechanism where partners and donor countries extend support including through the provision of technical, financial, and other relevant assistances.
H.E. Mr. Norng Sakal, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, underscored the need for promoting regional cooperation in mine action, emphasizing that the “the collective partnership platform
(ARMAC, 07 July 2021)
14 July 2021 – ARMAC team led by its Executive Director Prum Suonpraseth paid a courtesy call on Lao PDR Ambassador H.E. Mr. Amphay Kindavong at His Excellency’s Office in Phnom Penh.
ARMAC ED provided an update to Ambassador H.E. Mr. Amphay Kindavong, regarding latest projects and initiatives by the Center including the planned arrangement for the upcoming Friends of ARMAC Event which is targeted in Quarter 4 of 2021.
Their discussions also touched on ARMAC’s catalytic role as coordinator for the region; and how ARMAC can remain sustainable in the long run. ARMAC ED thanked the Ambassador for the Government’s continued support and financial contribution to ARMAC.
01 July 2021 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) together with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Phnom Penh organized a Hybrid Workshop on “Achieving Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Landmines/ERW-Affected Countries” in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The Workshop underscored the need for collective efforts of ASEAN countries and partners in linking mine action to support the implementation of SDGs in the region. H.E. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and Vice President of Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority delivered the opening remarks.
Over 90 senior officials, experts and representatives from national mine action centers, government planning offices, NGOs and UN offices in the region participated in the Workshop.
(ARMAC, 01 July 2021)
11 June 2021 – ARMAC ED Prum Suonpraseth participated in the virtual Fifth Forum of Entities Associate with ASEAN. The Forum was convened to further strengthen the partnership between entities and ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN sectoral bodies, ASEAN related centres, and among themselves.
One of the highlights of this year’s forum was the launch of the Entities Digital Platform, an independent cybernetic space for ASEAN’s associated entities and centres, which is embedded in the ASEAN website. It allows members to directly engage with one another; to post event announcements, and to call for applications. It also aims to streamline the accreditation process through digitalization.
The Forum was attended by about 100 participants representing ASEAN parliamentarians, judiciaries, youth, civil societies, women, and business and professional associations.
(ARMAC, 11 June 2021)
11 June 2021 – ARMAC and senior officials from the Embassy of Germany in Jakarta and GIZ met online and discussed about potential cooperation in 2022.
Institutional capacity building, outreach & communication, and knowledge management were discussed and identified as potential areas for cooperation between ARMAC and Germany.
(ARMAC, 11 June 2021)
24-27 May 2021 – ARMAC Executive Director Prum Suonpraseth and Programmes staff participated in the online meetings. The meetings provided an opportunity for the mine action community to reconnect, share knowledge and enhance the collective capacity to address old and new challenges under the overarching theme of “Perseverance, Partnership, Progress”.
This year’s meeting was organized by the United Nations with the generous support from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. For more information on the 24th NDM, see 24th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and United Nations Advisers | E-Mine
(ARMAC, 27 May 2021)
01 June 2021 – ARMAC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Federation Handicap International (Humanity & Inclusion). Mekong Regional Program Director Ms. Pilar Duat Llorens, signed on behalf of HI, while Mr. Prum Suonpraseth represented ARMAC.
The online signing ceremony was attended by HI Country Manager for Cambodia Ms. Edith van Wijngaarden, HI Mine Action Coordinator in Lao Mr. Julien Kempeneers and Ms. Araceli Knaik, ARMAC Senior Technical Officer.
The MOU aims to strengthen the existing cooperation between HI and ARMAC in order to facilitate Mine Action-related joint programming and resource mobilization. The partnership will support of Mine Action-related capacity development of relevant national institutions through technical cooperation.
(ARMAC, 01 June 2021)
29 May – 9 June 2021 – ARMAC Programs staff attended an online training course on Integrative Management and Coordination of National Mine Action Actors in the Mekong Region organized by Seoul Cyber University, Gyeonggi (Korea) Province in partnership with MAG International.
The course brings together representatives from mine action authorities in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam to develop a national action plan that is relevant in their respective country context.
As a regional entity focused on the humanitarian mine action, ARMAC brought a regional perspective during the discussions.
(ARMAC, 09 June 2021)
