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MAG has been working in Cambodia since 1992, providing landmine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) throughout the country. Considered one of the most contaminated countries on earth, Cambodia's landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) problem resulted from years of prolonged conflict and to this day leaves many communities at risk. MAG's program trains and deploys highly-skilled Cambodians to conduct operations, which provide safe access to farm land and enable infrastructure and community development.
MAG Cambodia targets the most at-risk communities through the following activities:
- Community Liaison teams work with mine and UXO-affected people to determine how these threats impact on their lives.
- Mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams operate in the most vulnerable, at-risk communities that have been prioritized by the Community Liaison teams.
- Mine detection dog (MDD) teams and new clearance technologies are used to enhance and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of demining operations.
- Mine Risk Education (MRE) is used to make people aware of the threats from mines and UXO and to reduce risky behavior in dangerous environments.
These activities enable MAG to provide a comprehensive response to the most urgent needs of at-risk communities. To further maximize its impact, MAG Cambodia integrates its activities into development programs. This has been achieved by partnering with international organizations such as CARE, World Vision, Lutheran World Federation, and Church World Services. This broad approach results in improved livelihoods and poverty reduction for the people of Cambodia.
Ou Chamlong, of Battambang Province says, "After war, people still suffer from things left behind. I lost my cow, I lost my income, we didn't have enough food ... people lost their lives also...war may end but our suffering remains...however, life is getting better after the MAG clearance... what was once dangerous land is now agricultural land so we can grow crops and begin to make a better life for our families and children."
"After MAG cleared mines away, there is a high school in my commune, which made us as students so happy to be able to continue our studies."
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Decades after the end of conflict, landmines can disrupt the lives of young people working to build their futures. Kak Poun village, home to the Kak Poun minefield, now boasts a new secondary school built on land cleared by MAG. Previously, students had to travel miles to distant schools to pursue their education. Seventh grader Roeum Hoeuth explained "This made some students give up their studies especially the girl students. But now after MAG cleared the mines away, there is a high school in my commune which made us as students so happy to be able to continue our studies near our house." In 2008, the school had 96 students enrolled, more than half of whom were girls. |