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20 May
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was honoured to participate in the 10th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN, held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat
“Navigating Our Future, Together” — the theme of this year’s 10th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN captured exactly what the room felt like: a region thinking out loud about how to build ASEAN Community Vision 2045 together, through action that reaches people.
The Forum brought together ASEAN entities, centres of excellence, and regional partners — a rare moment to compare notes on how each contributes across the Political-Security, Economic, Socio-Cultural, and Connectivity pillars.
ARMAC was proud to take part in the panel “From Vision to Action: Contribution of ASEAN Entities in Advancing Community Building in Achieving ASEAN 2045,” moderated by H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Community and Corporate Affairs. Representing the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) pillar alongside Mr. Raymund Quilop from the APSC Analysis & Monitoring Division of the ASEAN Secretariat, ARMAC spoke to something it believes deeply: humanitarian mine action sits at the heart of ASEAN’s human security agenda — and at the heart of resilience, regional cooperation, and inclusive recovery.
ARMAC shared the work that defines the Centre today — victim assistance, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), regional capacity development, standards, information management, research and knowledge-sharing, and South–South cooperation. ARMAC spoke with real pride about the ASEAN Regional Victim Assistance Network (VAN) and the Victim Assistance Management Information System (VAMIS) — among the first regional victim assistance information-sharing platforms in ASEAN, designed to strengthen coordination, institutional learning, and people-centred support for the communities who need it most.
The conversation kept returning to a truth this region knows well: partnership matters. South–South cooperation matters. The experiences, lessons, and approaches that Member States share with one another are what carry resilience, recovery, and sustainable peace forward across the region.
Humanitarian mine action is about clearing explosive hazards — but it is also about something larger. It is about giving communities back their land, their confidence, their dignity, and their right to imagine a future on their own terms.
Photo Sources: ASEAN
12 May
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was honoured to participate in the 10th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN, held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was honoured to participate in the 10th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN, held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
The Forum brought together ASEAN entities, centres of excellence, sectoral bodies, dialogue partners, and regional stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and support the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans across the ASEAN Political-Security, Economic, Socio-Cultural, and Connectivity pillars.
For ARMAC, the Forum provided a valuable opportunity to engage with fellow ASEAN entities and partners, exchange perspectives, strengthen regional networks, and reaffirm the importance of continued collaboration in advancing human security, resilience, inclusion, and people-centred approaches across the region.
ARMAC expresses its sincere appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat, GIZ, and the Government of Germany for hosting and supporting this important regional platform for dialogue and cooperation.
11 May
Strengthening partnerships beyond borders for a safer and more resilient future.
Strengthening partnerships beyond borders for a safer and more resilient future.
ARMAC was honoured to welcome H.E. Ambassador Mr. Elchin Amirbayov, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments, and the distinguished Azerbaijani delegation to the ARMAC Permanent Secretariat in Phnom Penh.
The visit reflects the growing friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan, ANAMA, and ARMAC, as well as our shared commitment to advancing humanitarian mine action, innovation, and South-South cooperation across ASEAN and beyond.
Through meaningful dialogue, experience sharing, and continued partnership, we move closer toward a future where communities affected by explosive ordnance can live in safety, dignity, and peace.
Together, we continue building bridges between regional expertise and global humanitarian action.
08 May
The 4th Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting with the active participation and engagement of ASEAN Member States
ARMAC had the honour of convening the 4th Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting with the active participation and engagement of ASEAN Member States, reflecting the continued spirit of ASEAN cooperation, partnership, and shared commitment within the region.
ARMAC would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Philippines, as current Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee, for chairing today’s meeting and providing continued leadership and guidance to the ongoing process. We also wish to convey our appreciation to Malaysia for its valuable contributions and leadership during its previous Chairmanship, which helped advance and support the continuity of the discussions.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to all ASEAN Member States for their constructive engagement, continued support, and shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and ASEAN solidarity.
Together, we continue working towards a safer, stronger, and more resilient ASEAN Community.
27 Apr
ARMAC and APOPO Signs MoU to Support Regional Mine Action and Capacity Development

ARMAC and APOPO Signs MoU to Support Regional Mine Action and Capacity Development

GENEVA, 23 April 2026 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian mine action and capacity development across ASEAN Member States, spanning information management and standards development, knowledge sharing and innovation, and the identification of priority cooperation areas in direct response to the needs of affected Member States.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in humanitarian mine action. By bringing together ARMAC’s convening role and APOPO’s technical expertise, we aim to support ASEAN Member States in building capacity, adopting new methods, and advancing approaches that place affected communities at the center of our work” said Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC.
Under the MoU, ARMAC and APOPO will work together to strengthen technical capacities and training for mine action authorities and operators, support the development of standards and good practices, advance research and the use of new technologies, and facilitate regional dialogue and knowledge exchange to strengthen national mine action systems.
“APOPO is honoured to collaborate with ARMAC in supporting humanitarian mine action across ASEAN. Through this cooperation, we look forward to sharing our experience in innovative detection methods and capacity development, while working together to strengthen national systems and contribute to safer, mine-free communities in the region,” said Mr. Michael Heiman, Head of Mine Action Programs at APOPO.
This cooperation contributes to ASEAN’s collective efforts to address the humanitarian impact of explosive ordnance, strengthen national capacities, and support sustainable recovery and development in affected communities across the region.
This MoU reinforces ASEAN’s collective commitment to addressing the humanitarian impact of explosive ordnance and supporting affected communities, while contributing to a safer, more resilient, and mine-free region
27 Apr
ARMAC and Norwegian People’s Aid Sign MoU to Advance Humanitarian Mine Action in ASEAN

ARMAC and Norwegian People’s Aid Sign MoU to Advance Humanitarian Mine Action in ASEAN

GENEVA, 22 April 2026 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian mine action across Southeast Asia.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between ARMAC and NPA Headquarters in Oslo, focusing on technical exchange, capacity development, innovation, and resource mobilization at both national and regional levels.
This new partnership expands on a 2021 country-level MoU between ARMAC and NPA, elevating the cooperation to the institutional level. It underscores the commitment of both organizations to address the humanitarian and socio-economic impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) through partnership, knowledge-sharing, and regional cooperation.
“We are proud to formalize this partnership with NPA, a respected global humanitarian mine action organization. Together, we will strengthen support for ASEAN Member States and advance regional cooperation to build safer, more resilient communities,” said Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC.
“NPA is honored to sign this MoU with ARMAC, an institution at the heart of regional mine action efforts in ASEAN. Through this cooperation, we will share expertise and resources to help increase the protection of civilians from weapons, and contribute to stabilisation, peace and opportunities for development across the region,” said Mr. Rune Dale-Andresen, Director International Department at Norwegian People’s Aid.
Under the MoU, ARMAC and NPA will collaborate in the following areas:
• Victim assistance, including psychosocial support and rehabilitation.
• Technical expertise in land release, risk education, and national standards development.
• Training, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
• Innovation and technology in mine action.
• Gender inclusion and regional cooperation in line with ASEAN frameworks.
This partnership directly contributes to the implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025 and the aspirations of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, reinforcing ASEAN’s commitment to a peaceful, inclusive, resilient, and people-centred region free from the threats of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
27 Feb
ARMAC and Humanity & Inclusion (HI) Formalize Strategic Cooperation to Advance Humanitarian Mine Action in ASEAN
IMG_9067 (2)

ARMAC and Humanity & Inclusion (HI) Formalize Strategic Cooperation to Advance Humanitarian Mine Action in ASEAN

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15 Dec
Regional High-Level Dialogue in Jakarta Strengthens Cooperation, Innovation, and Financing for a Mine-Free ASEAN
PRESS RELEASE

Regional High-Level Dialogue in Jakarta Strengthens Cooperation, Innovation, and Financing for a Mine-Free ASEAN
Jakarta, 8 December 2025 — The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) today convened senior policymakers, development partners, and technical experts at the Regional High-Level Dialogue on Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization in Mine/ERW Action in Jakarta, Indonesia. This pivotal gathering brought together ASEAN Member States and partners to deepen cooperation and align mine action with regional peace, security, and development objectives.
The opening session featured remarks from ARMAC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN—underscoring a united front in addressing the human and socio-economic impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) across the region.
In her welcome address, Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, reflected on the profound human cost of mine/ERW contamination and reaffirmed the region’s shared humanitarian purpose. She noted that ASEAN’s collective efforts are grounded in the dignity and safety of its people, stating:
“Today, we gather not only as institutions, but as a community united by one shared humanitarian purpose: to save lives, restore land, and uphold the dignity and safety of our people across ASEAN.”
Ms. Buth also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of China for its long-standing support to ASEAN’s mine action efforts, emphasizing that:
“China’s long-standing assistance—through training, equipment provision, expert deployment, and financial contributions—has strengthened national capacities across ASEAN and reflects a commitment rooted in shared humanitarian responsibility.”
Representing China, Mr. Liang Guotao, Director of the Department of Arms Control at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted China’s empathy and deep connection to mine-affected communities, noting that China remains committed to supporting ASEAN countries through material assistance, training, and expert guidance. He remarked:
“China stands ready to continue providing support for the realization of a mine-free ASEAN. Every family able to rebuild their homes and every child able to live in peace are the fruits of our collective efforts.”
In his address, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, reaffirmed the strategic importance of mine action within ASEAN’s broader political-security agenda. He emphasized ARMAC’s growing role as a center of excellence and underlined the need to sustain momentum under the ASEAN Political-Security Community Strategic Plan, stating that humanitarian mine action continues to reflect ASEAN’s spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. He also expressed appreciation for China’s dedicated support since 2021.
H.E. Ambassador Shaharuddin bin Onn, Chair of the ARMAC Steering Committee, further underscored mine action as a strategic investment in regional peace, human development, and resilience. He called on ASEAN Member States and partners to continue strengthening cooperation and to pursue innovative and sustainable approaches aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045.
The Dialogue featured a comprehensive programme including a Strategic Dialogue Session on innovation, South–South cooperation, and resource mobilization; technical and thematic panels on regional progress, emerging technologies, and sustainable financing; and a study visit to the ASEAN Secretariat to deepen institutional cooperation and cross-sectoral understanding. Participants highlighted how mine/ERW action contributes directly to human security, livelihoods, inclusive development, and the goals of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025.
Throughout the Dialogue, delegates reflected on the lived realities of mine-affected communities—children unable to play, farmers unable to cultivate land, and families living with uncertainty—and reaffirmed that mine action brings hope, restores dignity, and enables sustainable futures. The event also highlighted the importance of continued partnership, innovation, and shared responsibility in advancing progress toward a mine-free ASEAN.
ARMAC conveyed its deep appreciation to the Government of China for its sustained and transformative support; to all ASEAN Member States for their solidarity and trust; to the Royal Government of Cambodia as host of ARMAC’s Permanent Secretariat; and to Dialogue Partners, UN agencies, and technical experts for their collaborative contributions toward this shared regional mission.
25 Jul
ASEAN AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA CELEBRATE REGIONAL IMPACT OF LANDMARK PROGRAMME FOR LANDMINE VICTIMS

ASEAN AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA CELEBRATE REGIONAL IMPACT OF LANDMARK PROGRAMME FOR LANDMINE VICTIMS

ARMAC Wraps Up Four-Year Initiative Empowering Survivors Across Five ASEAN Member States
Phnom Penh, 24 July 2025 – The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), in collaboration with the Republic of Korea, ASEAN partners, and technical contributors, concluded the Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in the ASEAN Member States with a high-level Wrap-Up Event today in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The programme, launched in 2021 and funded through a generous USD 2 million contribution from the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), supported national and regional efforts to strengthen victim assistance services across five mine/ERW-affected ASEAN Member States—Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Singapore, through SingHealth, also contributed vital technical support, enhancing regional capacity in psychosocial and mental health care.
In her remarks, Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, emphasized the human dimension of the initiative:
“This programme was never just about policies or systems—it was about people. Survivors, families, and communities who live with the legacy of conflict. With resilience and dignity, they have shaped this journey, and ARMAC is proud to have walked alongside them, together with our committed partners from across ASEAN and the Republic of Korea.”
Key achievements over the four-year period include:
• Engagement of over 5,700 survivors and affected persons through national consultations and needs assessments;
• Completion of comprehensive research and feasibility studies in all five target countries—Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam;
• Development of Regional Guidelines and Country Profiles to inform victim assistance policies and enhance service delivery at both national and regional levels;
• Capacity building of 243 professionals in psychosocial support and victim assistance across ASEAN Member States;
• Establishment and initial launch of the ASEAN Regional Victim Assistance Network (VAN), featuring a dedicated digital platform to promote knowledge exchange, coordination, and sustainable regional collaboration;
• Production and premiere of the Voice of Victim documentary, presenting compelling testimonies of explosive ordnance survivors from across the region.
At the event, ARMAC officially handed over a suite of policy tools, national studies, and training materials to ASEAN Member States. These legacy resources are expected to guide future action, ensuring victim assistance remains a central component of ASEAN’s humanitarian mine action strategies.
H.E. Lee Jang-keun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, reaffirmed Korea’s deep commitment to mine action and ASEAN solidarity:
“This programme exemplifies the true spirit of partnership between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea. The impact is not only measured in statistics or reports, but in the individual stories of resilience and renewed hope—as captured in the documentary Voice of Victim. Korea firmly believes that investing in programmes like this is an investment in peace, stability, and fundamental human dignity. We are pleased to share that discussions for a second phase are now underway”
Echoing this commitment, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, emphasized the strategic and humanitarian importance of the programme
“This flagship initiative empowers landmine victims not merely to recover, but to lead and inspire as agents of change within their communities. The Victim Assistance Network and digital platform will play a critical role in strengthening coordination and support services across the region. I commend ARMAC and all collaborators for this significant achievement, which brings us closer to a mine-free ASEAN”
The Government of Malaysia, current Chair of both ARMAC and ASEAN, emphasized that the initiative reflects effective, impactful regional collaboration rooted in ASEAN values of peace, security, and inclusive development.
ARMAC expressed deep gratitude to SingHealth and the Government of Singapore for their pivotal role in delivering professional training in mental health and psychosocial support—key components of sustainable victim assistance systems.
As ASEAN’s official regional body for mine action, ARMAC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional capacity, fostering cooperation, and elevating survivor voices in policymaking.
“This is not the end—it is a call to continue,” concluded Ms. Buth. “Together with our partners, ARMAC stands ready to deepen our impact and realize a shared vision: a mine-free ASEAN where all survivors are empowered to live with dignity and hope.
End of Press Release
22 Jul
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) had the privilege of welcoming H.E Mr. Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to its headquarters in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, 22 July 2025 – In a significant step toward strengthening inter-regional collaboration in humanitarian mine action, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) had the privilege of welcoming H.E Mr. Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to its headquarters in Phnom Penh. He was accompanied by H.E Mr. Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao PDR and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, H.E. Ambassador Jalal Mirzayev, Head of Asia and Pacific Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The high-level engagement marked a continuation of the positive momentum initiated during the 2024 study visit hosted by ARMAC, where the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) visited ASEAN Member States to observe best practices in explosive ordnance (EO) management. The visit exemplified ARMAC’s commitment to South-South cooperation, fostering mutual learning among countries with shared post-conflict challenges.
The discussions reaffirmed ARMAC’s mission to support regional and global mine action efforts, in line with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025. Both parties exchanged insights on the importance of research and development, innovation, and the integration of emerging technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of mine clearance operations.
“ARMAC reaffirms its dedication to fostering regional and international partnerships that not only enhance technical capacity but also promote sustainable peace and development,” stated Ms. Buth Rothna, Executive Director of ARMAC. “We are pleased to witness growing momentum for intercontinental collaboration, and we look forward to continued engagement with Azerbaijan as a key partner in this endeavor.”
Echoing this sentiment, H.E. Mr. Elnur Mammadov shared: “We deeply appreciate ARMAC’s leadership in mine action and their generous facilitation of knowledge-sharing platforms. Azerbaijan is determined to invest in the institutional strengthening of its mine action capacity, and we view ARMAC as a pivotal partner in this journey. The shared experiences of ASEAN countries provide invaluable lessons for our own post-conflict recovery.”
The meeting also addressed the potential for future cooperation in joint research initiatives, the establishment of technical dialogues, and the promotion of region-to-region knowledge exchanges. As a center of excellence, ARMAC continues to serve as a critical platform for experience sharing and dialogue, reinforcing its role in advancing regional peace, security, and sustainable development.
This engagement underscores a shared vision between ASEAN and Azerbaijan to collaborate across borders and leverage collective expertise in the pursuit of a mine-free future.

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