A Step Forward in Enhancing Victim Assistance Across ASEAN
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
02
Dec
A Step Forward in Enhancing Victim Assistance Across ASEAN
We are thrilled to have participated in the Mine Action Working Group (MAWG) meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam, where we had the privilege to present the Feasibility Study on Physical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Support for Explosive Ordnance (EO) Victims and Persons with Disabilities, under the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund Project.
This study is a key component of our Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in ASEAN Member States, aimed at providing crucial support for those affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war. The presentation sparked important discussions with our partners, and we are incredibly grateful for the invaluable feedback received from all attendees.
A heartfelt thank you to our partners at VNMAC, the Chair and Co-Chair from UNDP, and PeaceTree Vietnam for your continued collaboration and commitment to the project. Your efforts are vital in bringing attention to the voices of victims and ensuring their needs are heard.
We also had the opportunity to brief our partners on the upcoming 5th Review Conference and share the latest updates from the International Secretariat Unit (ISU) on the progress of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
This event marked a significant step forward in our mission to enhance victim assistance, raise awareness, and strengthen cooperation across the region. We are also excited about the Victim Voices Documentary project, which will further amplify the experiences of those impacted by EO.
Thank you to all the NGOs, task force members, and CMAA for their active participation and unwavering support. Together, we continue to build a more inclusive, safer, and resilient ASEAN.
Let’s keep working hand in hand for a brighter future for all.
14
Nov
Our Executive Director, Rothna Buth, made a powerful call to action at the World Urban Forum 12 in Cairo!
November 8, 2024 – Cairo, Egypt
Our Executive Director, Rothna Buth, made a powerful call to action at the World Urban Forum 12 in Cairo! Addressing leaders from around the globe, Rothna highlighted the critical role of demining in ASEAN’s journey toward sustainable development and post-conflict recovery. She spoke passionately about transforming contaminated lands into safe, thriving spaces for communities, leveraging the latest technologies and partnerships to accelerate these efforts.
Joined by key figures like Vugar Suleymanov from Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency and Bojan Glamočlija from Serbia’s Mine Action Centre, the session “Clearing the Path for Post-Conflict Recovery” underscored the importance of innovative, people-centered mine action strategies. Rothna shared ARMAC’s dedication to not only clearing explosive remnants but also supporting survivors through rehabilitation and socioeconomic inclusion. “Clearing landmines is more than removing remnants of war; it’s a humanitarian mission that restores dignity, hope, and a better future,” she said.
This commitment extends to pioneering solutions like AI, robotics, and remote sensing applications, which make demining safer and more effective. The ASEAN Regional Victim Assistance Network, a key initiative championed by Rothna, continues to ensure that survivors across the region receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
A special thank you to the Mine Action Agency of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) for organizing this impactful event and bringing together voices from across the world committed to post-conflict recovery. Together, we can turn reclaimed land into sites of resilience and opportunity, clearing the path to a safe and vibrant future.
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.
16
May
Our Executive Director and Project Manager joined over ninety participants from around forty entities linked to ASEAN, gathering to discuss key regional issues and collaborative opportunities
We were honored to participate in the 8th Forum of Entities associated with ASEAN at the ASEAN Headquarters today. Our Executive Director and Project Manager joined over ninety participants from around forty entities linked to ASEAN, gathering to discuss key regional issues and collaborative opportunities.
Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn opened the Forum, emphasizing the growing importance of ASEAN Entities in transforming challenges into opportunities. His optimism about the Forum as a platform for fruitful discussions and cooperation resonates deeply with us at ARMAC.
Special thanks to the Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, who shared insightful priorities under Lao PDR’s Chairmanship. The interactive discussions with Deputy Secretaries-General Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz and Nararya Soeprapto further highlighted the depth of engagement and commitment among ASEAN communities.
As we continue our mission, the insights gained from this day engagements are invaluable. We look forward to fostering stronger ties and more robust cooperation across all sectors to enhance peace and development in the region.
05
Apr
ARMAC Marks International Day for Mine Awareness with “Rising Stronger: Building Resilience in Mine-Affected Regions”
Siem Reap, Cambodia – April 8, 2024 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), a center of excellence under ASEAN political-security cooperation, is dedicated to addressing landmines and explosive remnants of war across ASEAN Member States. ARMAC celebrated the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action with the theme “Rising Stronger: Building Resilience in Mine-Affected Regions.”
This year’s theme symbolizes the collective commitment of the ASEAN Member States to confront the challenges posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) across the region and beyond.
The International Day for Mine Awareness is committed to showcasing ongoing efforts and progress in mine eradication and highlighting the critical importance of resilience in areas impacted by landmines. It serves as a symbol of hope and action, aligning closely with ARMAC’s mission, guided by the leadership of Executive Director, Ms. Rothna Buth.
Held between April 3rd to 6th, the event gathered a diverse group of participants from the mine action community, including organizations specializing in mine clearance, landmine survivors, policymakers, and public supporters of mine action initiatives.
The four-day event, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, boasted an extensive agenda of activities. Highlights included internal discussions facilitated by ARMAC, tours of the APOPO Visitor Center, participation in the International Day for Mine Awareness event hosted by CMAA, visits to minefields being cleared by HALO Trust, a tour of the CMAC Peace Museum, and a strategic reflection session led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Sister Denise Coghlan.
The event also featured appearances by H.E. Mr. Buakeo Phumvongsay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and
Chairman of the Steering Committee of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC), and H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister, First Vice President of CMAA and President of the Ottawa Convention 2024, representative of ASEAN memebers, representatives of Japan, Prince Foundation, among other esteemed guests.
Under Ms. Buth’s direction, the mission places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, gender equality, and the empowerment of women in the fields of humanitarian demining and explosive ordnance disposal.
Ms. Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, stated, “In the face of adversity, we rise stronger together. Our dedication to mine action extends beyond clearing landmines; it is about cultivating resilient communities and creating a future untouched by the scars of conflict.”
Looking ahead, this event is poised to influence future mine action initiatives, fostering insights and strategic discussions among participants. It represents not merely a celebration but a critical juncture for ARMAC to push forward its objectives of ensuring safety, development, and resilience in mine-affected areas.
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About ARMAC:
Headquartered in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, ARMAC plays a crucial role in coordinating and facilitating cooperation among ASEAN Member States and various stakeholders to tackle the challenges presented by landmines and explosive remnants of war. ARMAC is committed to magnifying its impact throughout the region, furthering its mission towards a safer and more prosperous Southeast Asia.
10
Sep
The 2nd High-Level Regional Meeting on ” Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization in ASEAN in Mine/ERW Action”
Nanjing, China PRC:
On 7-9 September 2023, ARMAC in coordination with the ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) of the People’s Republic of China (China PRC) co-hosted the 2nd High-Level Regional Dialogue under the theme, “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization capacity in Mine/ERW Action in ASEAN” in Nanjing city, China PRC. The dialogue was followed by a Technology and Equipment Exhibitions organized by Shanghai Emerging Science and Technology Institute.
The dialogue was made possible by the generous support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The meeting was attended by high-ranking members of the diplomatic community and representatives from the National Mine Action Authorities/centers of the affected-ASEAN Member States (AMS), representatives of ARMAC Steering Committee, representative from ASEAN Secretariat, UNDP, UNMAS, and Canada to learn/share the successes, challenges, best practices, national strategies in implementing mine action programmes, as well as to provide the opportunity for affected AMS and their respective counterparts to further enhance bilateral/multilateral cooperation for mobilizing resources.
The dialogue was presided over by Minister Counsellor/Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Beijing, MR. IRWANSYAH MUKHLIS, on behalf of the Chair of 2023 ARMAC Steering Committee (ARMAC SC) and co-chaired by ARMAC Executive Director Mr. PRUM SUONPRASETH and Mr. MA SHENKUN, Deputy Director General of the Department of Arms Control of the MFA of China PRC.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. MA SHENKUN underscored that China PRC has always listed ASEAN as a key target of demining assistance and cooperation, and has done its utmost to provide assistance within its capacity and supported the project “Enhancing ASEAN’s Regional Cooperation and Resource Allocation Capacity in Mine Clearance” to help implement the ASEAN Political and Security Community Blueprint 2025 with practical actions. He further added that China was committed to working with affected ASEAN countries to continue to build a peaceful homeland in accordance with the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two sides, promote the development of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and contribute to peace and development in the ASEAN region.
Addressing the dialogue, Mr. Prum Suonpraseth, Executive Director of ARMAC, started by extending his appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, for sponsoring this event, and for taking an ever-increasing interest ad active engagement in humanitarian mine action work and cooperation within the ASEAN region. ARMAC ED further stated that, “the dialogue demonstrates the commitment towards deepening China-ASEAN multilateral cooperations, demonstrating the strength of regional partnership and solidarity. The partnership between ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center with the Government of the People Republic of China a partnership of immense importance which is rooted in our common aspiration and shared value for the cause of Humanitarian Mine Action. The dialogue would serve as a key platform for ensuring progress, prosperity, sustainability of Humanitarian Mine Action in the ASEAN region and for advancement of partnership framework on cooperation and resource mobilization in affected AMS thru bilateral or multilateral mechanism with other governments of AMS, international and regional donors.” He further added that, “traditional financing has been a critical issue in our sector in the affected AMS. As such, using innovative financing or exploring non-traditional financing for the sector could provide an alternative solution to the financing gaps. And while technology and innovation continue to emerge and play important role in speeding up mine action work, initiatives on how to balance and align this advancement to other relevant aspects in the sector should also be visited, for example the need to balance and address environmental issues, aging workforce in the sector and how to expand our scope in formulating standard approaches to using technology between countries and within the region, in mitigating risks for destruction and detonation, and in advocating for adopting practices that are not only sustainable but are also mindful of available resources.
In his opening remarks, the Chair of ARMAC SC highlighted that, “Indonesia would like to see a resilient ASEAN and become a barometer for cooperation that would contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and world. With this spirit, Indonesia takes up a theme of “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”. Indonesia puts its priority deliverables under 3 pillars: (i) ASEAN matters, (ii) Epicentrum of Growth, and (iii) implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Under these 3 pillars, Indonesia is determined to make ASEAN important and relevant for the people of ASEAN and beyond, including to actively carry out peace and humanitarian diplomacy. Along with ASEAN Political-Security Blueprint 2025 and ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center, Indonesia sees the need to support ARMAC as a platform of regionalism and multilateralism. It has successfully carved out a niche for itself in the region and provided the foundation for cooperation in humanitarian mine action (HMA) in the region. ARMAC’s role today is perhaps more important than ever before given the geopolitical challenges and uncertainties that we are facing. In addition, Indonesia has a high commitment to demining in global level and has ratified the Ottawa Convention in 2006 and actively carried out demining process under UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon and Democratic Republic of Congo”.
The Chair added that the dialogue served to enhance the cooperation by strengthening dialogue and practical cooperation in humanitarian assistance and maintaining regional peace, security and stability collectively and as a platform for affected AMS to propose new and innovative projects to a high-level international audience. Also, the event was timely and as funding to the HMA sector is facing challenges with competing priorities and arising conflicts in other parts of the world.
Mine action is always at the forefront of efforts to rebuild lives and communities in the affected AMS. Despites the conflicts have been over years ago, these remnants of war continue to cause casualties to innocent civilian and hinder socio-economic and infrastructure development. The impacts of conflict have not only left thousands of survivors but also family members of non-survivor or known as indirect victims in need of ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, psychosocial support and facilitation to overcome the countless barriers to accessing necessary services, as well as school, employment and community life.
14
Dec
High-Level Regional Meeting on ” Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization in ASEAN Mine/ERW Action”
On 12 December 2022, ARMAC hosted the High-Level Meeting on “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization in ASEAN Mine/ERW Action” in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The meeting was made possible by the generous support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of China and follows from two technical working groups on this topic, hosted by ARMAC in 2021 and 2022.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking members of the diplomatic community and representatives from the National Mine Action Authorities of the affected-ASEAN Member States (AMS) and co-chaired by ARMAC Executive Director Mr. Prum Suonpraseth and Director/Counsellor Mr. Liu Zhijie of China PRC. The meeting provided a platform for AMS to propose new and innovative projects to a high-level international audience.
25
Oct
Environmental Impact Management in Mine Action Workshop
Environmental Impact Management in Mine Action Workshop
Today ARMAC, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), hosted Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Organisations from around the ASEAN region in the Environmental Impact Management in Mine Action Workshop – the first of its kind in the region. The workshop is being held in Siem Reap over two days, and brings together international experts and practitioners to share best practices to ensure HMA actors take all reasonable steps to reduce the environmental impact of their activities. In opening the workshop, H.E. Ung Rachana, Chairman of the Steering Committee of ARMAC, underscored the importance of environmental management consideration, and one which would “require collective efforts to promote policy dialogue, research, capacity building, and scaling up and replicating of good practices across the ASEAN region”.
05
Jul
ARMAC Strategy Stakeholder Workshop
Hanoi, Viet Nam
On the 5th of July, ARMAC held its strategy stakeholder meeting in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The meeting drew representatives from over 8 government and non-government organizations to provide inputs into the preparation of ARMAC’s first five-year strategic plan.
The meeting is the third of a series of workshops that will encompass stakeholders across mine-affected AMSs. A special session meeting is taking place on 11 July where the outcome from the country consultations will be one of the key points to be discussed.
The goal of ARMAC is to reduce the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war throughout the region through enhanced awareness in communities, victim assistance, and the sharing of knowledge amongst AMSs.
30
Jun
ARMAC 2nd Strategy Stakeholder Workshop
Bangkok, Thailand
On the 30th of June, ARMAC held its second strategy stakeholder meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop drew representatives from over 10 government and non-government organizations to provide inputs into the preparation of ARMAC’s first five-year strategic plan.
The meeting is the second of a series of workshops that will encompass stakeholders across mine-affected AMSs. The next workshop will be held in Hanoi, Viet Nam during the first week of July. The goal of ARMAC is to reduce the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war throughout the region through enhanced awareness in communities, victim assistance, and the sharing of knowledge amongst AMSs.
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