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JOINT PRESS RELEASE
UNDP and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre Renew Partnership to Accelerate Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration on Mine Action.
Phnom Penh, 7 July 2025 — On Friday, 4 July 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cambodia and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance technical cooperation and knowledge sharing on mine action. This collaboration aims to support ARMAC’s efforts in promoting peace and security and reducing casualties from landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) in affected ASEAN Member States through regional coordination, partnership building, knowledge sharing, and exchange of good practices in mine action—particularly in advocacy, clearance and land release, victim assistance, and risk education.
The MoU was signed by Ms Alissar Chaker, UNDP Resident Representative in Cambodia, and Ms Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, in Phnom Penh.
Ms Alissar Chaker said, “Over the past 20 years, Cambodia has made remarkable progress in strengthening mine action management, developing policies, legal frameworks, standards, and information systems for land clearance/release, raising public awareness and promoting risk education on ERW, as well as supporting victim assistance through improved access to rehabilitation, specialised services and livelihoods creation. The Kingdom’s hard-earned wealth of knowledge and expertise is invaluable to other mine-affected ASEAN countries and for strengthening peace and security across the region. UNDP’s mine action work, both globally and in Cambodia, brings hope and dignity to affected communities and landmine victims, linking mine action to broader development frameworks to ensure the sustainability of clearance dividends.”
Echoing Ms Chaker, Ms Rothna Buth added: “This MoU reflects the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and our shared commitment to a mine-free region. By combining ARMAC’s regional mandate and technical coordination role with UNDP’s global presence and development expertise, we are poised to elevate cooperation across ASEAN to new heights. Together, we will empower communities with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to transform legacy threats into opportunities for sustainable peace and development.”
This collaboration not only reinforces ARMAC’s role as a regional centre of excellence in mine action but also underscores the vital importance of inclusive partnerships in advancing ASEAN’s vision of a peaceful, secure, and people-centred community.
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For media enquiries, please get in touch with Ms. Chhunmuoy Ath, Communications Analyst at communications.kh@undp.org
About UNDP
The UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network, advocating for change and connecting governments, the private sector, and civil society to knowledge, experience, and resources. It contributes to ending poverty and inequality, accelerating inclusive growth, strengthening good governance and peace, and promoting nature-based solutions and climate resilience. Present in over 170 countries and territories, we help nations implement their solutions to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for people, the planet, and prosperity. Learn more at https://www.undp.org/cambodia or follow us at @UNDPCambodia.
About UNDP’s Mine Action Support
UNDP has been supporting Cambodia in mine action through the Clearing for Results project since 2006. Currently in its fourth phase, the project has contributed to the release of more than 384 square kilometres of contaminated land, representing over 12% of all land released, for safe and productive use by affected communities and infrastructure development, benefiting more than 1.2 million people.
This has been possible thanks to the generous support of the governments of Australia, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and Luxembourg.
About the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) is a centre of excellence under the ASEAN Political-Security Community, established to address the humanitarian impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the region. Based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, ARMAC serves as a platform to enhance regional cooperation, promote knowledge sharing, and support affected ASEAN Member States through capacity-building, policy dialogue, and technical assistance. ARMAC collaborates closely with national authorities, development partners, and civil society to promote a safer, mine-free, and inclusive ASEAN Community.
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:
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