Foreign Minister Bob Carr today reiterated Australia's firm commitment to demining in Cambodia during a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Council of Ministers Sok An.
Australia has committed a further $6.2 million over the next three years to demining initiatives in Cambodia.
Senator Carr said that since 1994, Australia had provided $78 million to support Cambodia's efforts to clear landmines, educate people about landmine risks and help survivors.
This assistance is part of Australia's broader commitment to mine action internationally. Since the signing of the Mine Ban Convention in 1997, Australia has contributed more than $250 million to reduce the threat and human tragedy of landmines globally.
“Australians should be proud of their country's contribution to reduce the devastating impact of landmines in Cambodia. Working together with the Cambodian Government and other donors, Australia has helped halve the number of landmine casualties from 450 in 2006 to 211 last year.
“Australia has supported the clearance of approximately 4,400 hectares of land in Cambodia in the last five years, benefitting more than 60,000 Cambodians.
“Our support has helped more than 10,000 survivors of landmines to receive prosthetics, wheelchairs and access to physiotherapy.
“Clearing landmines also helps improve the livelihoods of the Cambodian population, facilitating greater access to land for agriculture, markets, education and health services.
“This effort is part of our overall commitment of $100 million internationally over the next three years to reduce the threat of landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war and help survivors in the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa,” Senator Carr said.
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