Cambodia

Landmines laid during the ousting of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 and throughout the 80s and 90s have had a devastating impact on the people of Cambodia. Over 65,000 casualties have been recorded since 1979, resulting in 18,800 people being killed and nearly 45,000 people injured, of whom 9,087 had to have an amputation due to their injuries.

More than half of Cambodia’s minefields have been cleared and those remaining are largely concentrated in the rural north-west of the country, especially along the Thai border on a 750km mined area known as the K5. As the population expands, families have little choice but to move onto mined land, placing themselves at risk. People like Cheng Seang, who lived near the notoriously dangerous K5 mine belt, live in hope, waiting for things to change.

We employ around 1,200 men and women from mine affected areas in Cambodia to work in minefields all along the Thai border from Koh Kong to Preah Vihear, and also in the south western province of Pursat. Our teams clear hundreds of landmines every month.

We also respond to a huge number of calls from people elsewhere in the country who have found dangerous explosives that need to be destroyed safely. The threat to the people of Cambodia—from landmines and other dangerous debris left after the war—is extremely high. Children like Arya and Molika, who walk to school right next to a minefield, are particularly vulnerable because of their innate curiosity, so our risk education visits to communities and schools are vital.

Arya and Molika live next to the K5 minefield. HALO is clearing the land round their new school so they will no longer have to walk to class along the minefield or avoid playing on nearby dangerous ground. Molika wants to be a farmer when she grows up and Arya, who loves learning science, wants to be a nurse. Our work to destroy the landmines will ensure Arya and Molika can have the opportunity every child deserves, to grow up safely and realise their potential.