Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 17 December 2024, marked the opening of the Regional Workshop on Promoting Collaboration and Cooperation in Victim Assistance through Data Management for ASEAN Member States at the prestigious Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Co-hosted by the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), this workshop brings together distinguished leaders, experts, and advocates to refine regional collaboration and finalize the Regional Victim Assistance Guideline. The initiative is proudly supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund.

Today, ARMAC held a powerful National Consultative Workshop in Thailand, bringing together national and international experts, government representatives, and dedicated partners to advance critical support for victims of explosive ordnance (EO). With survivors’ voices at the center, this workshop explored vital topics such as medical care, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support to bridge essential gaps in victim assistance.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners from the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Thailand Mine Action Center, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the Joint Civil Affairs of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, and esteemed consultants, including Dr. Pornpimon Prasongporn and her team. We are honored to work alongside our colleagues from Yonsei University, SingHealth, and Ms. Leila El Ali from Lebanon in this collaborative effort.

A special thank you to the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund, whose generous support has made this project possible. Together, we’re creating an empowered, resilient, and inclusive future for all victims and survivors across ASEAN.

Last week, ARMAC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, held a significant National Consultation Workshop in Nay Pyi Taw, focusing on the physical rehabilitation and mental health needs of EO victims.

We were honored to hear from distinguished guests, including Mr. Kim Hyun Soo, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to the Kingdom of Cambodia; H.E. Buakeo Phumvongsay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the Kingdom of Cambodia and Chairman of the Steering Committee of ARMAC; and Prof. Tan Hiang Khoon, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Future Health System), SGH, Group Director, International Collaboration Office, Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), and Director, SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute.

Mr. Kim Hyun Soo shared his thoughts on the training’s impact: “Our collaboration on the Enhanced Victim Assistance Programme in the ASEAN Member States represents a collective effort to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by communities affected by explosive ordnance. Korea is honored to stand with you in this endeavor and remains steadfast in its support.” He added, “The knowledge and skills you have acquired will foster recovery and resilience for countless individuals. Remember, what you do goes beyond helping individual victims; it’s about creating a world where we can live together with them.”

As we near the end of our training, today’s sessions focused on self-care for mental health professionals and community workers. We know that caring for survivors of conflict can be emotionally demanding, which is why it’s so important to also focus on the well-being of the caregivers themselves.

Our participants engaged in dynamic role plays and discussions on maintaining mental and emotional resilience while supporting others. ARMAC and SingHealth are proud to equip these future trainers with tools for sustainable caregiving practices.

How do you prioritize self-care while helping others? Share your tips in the comments!

With each session, we’re breaking barriers in mental health support for landmine and explosive ordnance survivors across ASEAN. The knowledge gained here will empower healthcare professionals to lead compassionate, effective responses in their communities.

Let’s continue the conversation! What’s one way you think we can better address addiction and trauma?

#TherapeuticCommunication #AddictionAwareness #PsychosocialCare #ARMAC #SingHealth #ROKMission #AKCF

With each session, we’re breaking barriers in mental health support for landmine and explosive ordnance survivors across ASEAN. The knowledge gained here will empower healthcare professionals to lead compassionate, effective responses in their communities.

Let’s continue the conversation! What’s one way you think we can better address addiction and trauma?

What techniques have you found helpful in providing psychological support?

Yesterday marked the beginning of ARMAC’s sixth Psychosocial Support Training of Trainers (T.O.T) in partnership with SingHealth! We are honored to welcome healthcare professionals from across the region to Phnom Penh for five transformative days of learning and collaboration.

The first day kicked off with insightful discussions and practical learning, focusing on mental health services for explosive ordnance survivors. Guided by our dedicated trainers from SingHealth, the morning session centered on improving access to mental health care through joint discussions between psychiatrists, Ministry of Health representatives, and community members. The dialogue identified gaps in care and explored strategies for better integration of services.

In the afternoon, groups tackled key topics such as the psychosocial impact of trauma, with the psychology group covering depression and anxiety, while the psychiatry group focused on leadership and mentorship development. Participants actively engaged in role-play exercises, practicing therapeutic techniques and sharing real-life examples to enhance their skills.