Cambodia’s Experience Mine Victim Assistance

Casualties and Incidents Statistics from 1992 to 2007

Committed Government Policy: Mine Action was placed as the government priority in development. In 2003, it was a 3rd Terms of Royal Government lead by our Prime Minister, gave a priority to mine action as the 9th National Planning Strategy for the development of Cambodia. Government is also intended to achieve the Zero-victim in 2012.

Creating Supportive institutions Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSAVY). In October 2006, an evaluation of the physical rehabilitation sector was carried out. On the basis of this evaluation, MoSAVY has discussed the plan to take full responsibility of the Physical rehabilitation centre by 2011.

Creating Supportive institutions Landmine Victim Assistance Steering Committees was established in December 2006 to developed a strategic Plan to meet the aims of Nairobi Action Plan. This committee is co-chaired by CMAA and MoSAVY with representatives from key actors in disability sector

Supportive Legal Framework October 2007, Cambodia signed the Convention on the rights of People with Disabilities (PWDs) and its Optional Protocol. February 2008, the Council of Ministers approved Cambodia’s first law on the Rights of PWDs.

Roles of Non-governmental Organization (NGOs) National and International NGOs and other international agencies provided services to PWD. Key organizations in this areas include: ICRC, CRC, UNICEF, and Peace-Boat/Japan.

Conclusion We still have a lot of work to do to ensure that the appropriate mechanisms are in place to meet the challenges in addressing the rights and needs of PWDs in Cambodia. But through the victim assistance provisions of the Mine Ban Convention and the work of the Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, we have the framework and tools to assist the RGC in meeting its obligations not only to mine survivors but also to all PWDs in the countries.

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