Introduction
Key Issues
Twelve Point Plan
Recommendations
Introduction
The importance of the effect of land-mines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in Cambodia is well summarized in the words of Prime Minister Hun Sen, "As you are well aware, mine clearance activities are considered by the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) as a top priority in the rehabilitation and development of the country, in particular in light of achieving poverty reduction in Cambodia. Mine clearance is not merely a matter of social security, but it is also relevant to economic issues and development in general, especially in terms of providing land and safety of livelihoods to poor farming households in remote areas. Recognizing the importance of this agenda, Cambodia has wholeheartedly become a signatory to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Storage and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Landmines and the Destruction of All Kinds of Landmines on 3 December 1997 in Ottawa." His Excellency Sr. Minister Sok An continued, "Effective demining and the subsequent use of demined lands is one of the few means at the disposal of the government to address directly and quickly the plight of the poor. It is a privileged tool to eradicate misery, alleviate poverty and set in motion sustainable development across the country. " It is clear that the obligations of the Ottawa Treaty to Ban Landmines have become the language of public policy on the issue.
In 2000, the number of people injured or killed by land-mines or UXOs fell to 800, still more than two per day. In the first three months of 2001, 264 have been involved in mine accidents. Areas needed for roads, cables, village activities, housing and farming, continue to be cleared by Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), NGOs, the military and villagers. NGOs are involved in development activities in mine-affected communities, in victim assistance, in monitoring the Mine Ban Treaty as well as in clearance. They contribute actively in coordination meetings.
Last year's statement by the NGOs to the Consultative Group Meeting called for improved coordination and financial transparency in the mine action sector. Much effort by the government has been expended in addressing this. CMAC is now a demining implementing agency and coordination and regulation of mine action is entrusted to a new body called the Cambodian Mine Action Authority. Distribution of demined land, its titling and use was also raised last year and this needs still further attention as does the plight of many vulnerable people in mine affected areas who still lack land. Tracts of land taken by the military or rich officials or business people is of concern to villagers.
Key Issues
1. Prevention of death and injury from mine/UXOs accidents
Recommendations:
- Continue to fund clearance of mines
- Destroy all stores of anti-personnel mines in regional and central military warehouses
2. Access to safe land with right of ownership
Recommendations:
- Continue to monitor use of demined land
- Implement good land legislation that alleviates poverty in mine-affected Cambodia
3. Socio-economic and psychological assistance to mine-affected communities and other mine/UXO victims
Twelve Point Plan
Landmine survivors outlined these twelve points as their criteria for determining whether their basic needs have been met.
1. A mine victim or disabled villager in a mine-affected village has a house that shelters the family from the weather.
2. A mine victim has enough food to eat.
3. A mine victim has access to water for drinking and washing which is no more than five walking minutes from his/her house.
4. Children have access to nearby schools, which are affordable, and adults to learning opportunities.
5. Families have access to primary health service and medicine within one hour of available transport.
6. Victims have access to income generating possibilities sufficient to sustain the basic expenses of their families.
7. No mines are left in the housing, farming and recreational areas of the village.
8. Villagers deprived of land due to war and mines receive title to available demined or other land.
9. Handicapped victims have access to prosthetics, wheelchairs, etc. and follow up service, including counseling by their peers or professionals where appropriate.
10. Roads to markets, water control systems are available to the village.
11. There are examples of villagers and disabled helping one another or working together on common problems as well as villagers participating in decisions that affect their lives.
12. Villagers are aware of the danger of mines and do not use or tamper with mines, UXOs.
Recommendation
- Fund programs that implement the twelve-point plan of the survivors.
For more information on the issues raised in this paper please contact:
The NGO Forum on Cambodia/Cambodia Campaign to Ban Landmines
c/o Jesuit Service Cambodia, Tel: 023 880 139, Email: jrscam@forum.org.kh |
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