Phnom Penh, 18 October – The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority and the Implementation Support Unit of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention are organizing the Third Global Conference on the Assistance to Victims of Mines and Other Explosive Ordnance in a Disability Rights Context, in Phnom Penh from 17-19 October. The conference will provide a platform for representatives of affected communities and survivors, disability and victim assistance rights practitioners representing States and civil society members, to discuss global challenges in implementing victim assistance in a disability rights context.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) are co-organizing a side event at the conference on Wednesday, 18 October at 14.15-15.15, to showcase best practices in physical rehabilitation and share lessons learned from victim assistance and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities in Cambodia.

The side event will benefit from the experience of the "Clearing for Results Project” and its partner institutions. The Battambang Physical Rehabilitation Center will share its experience on delivering successful rehabilitation programs and mobile outreach services for landmine victims and persons with disabilities. The Trauma Care Foundation Cambodia will discuss lessons learned and insights on mirror therapy for landmine amputees. Exceed Worldwide will present its work on modern prosthetic and orthotics for landmine survivors and other amputees. The Cambodian Disabled People's Organisation will discuss access for people with disabilities to livelihood opportunities.

His Excellency Ly Thuch Senior Minister and First Vice President, Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority confirmed the commitment of the Kingdom of Cambodia to its international obligations and its national Sustainable Development Goal 18 for ending the negative impact of mines/ERW and promote victim assistance. “As such, the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority has mobilized a wide range of partnerships and expertise to achieve a mine-free Cambodia in 2025”, he added.

Ms. Alissar Chaker, Resident Representative of UNDP Cambodia, said, "The side event will be an opportunity to share with representatives of States and civil society the hard-earned experience of Cambodia, - the cradle of mine action where the term was first coined. We hope it will catalyze knowledge sharing, networking, and partnerships on victim assistance in mine action."

Ms. Chaker added, "UNDP is committed to continuing its support to integrate victim assistance in broader national policies and legal frameworks relating to disability, health, education, employment, development and poverty reduction in line with the Oslo Action Plan and the Convention on the rights of Persons with disabilities in partnership with other national and international partners".

The Clearing for Results Project - Phase IV is a multi-donor project implemented by the CMAA and UNDP with financial support from Australia, the Republic of Korea, and New Zealand. 

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For media inquiries, please contact Ms. Chhunmuoy Ath, Communications Analyst at communications.kh@undp.org

UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network advocating for change and connecting governments, private sector and civil society to knowledge, experience, and resources to end the injustice of poverty and inequality, accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen good governance and peace, and promote nature-based solutions and climate resilience. Present in over 170 countries and territories, we assist nations to implement their solutions for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the people, the planet, and their prosperity. Learn more at https://www.undp.org/cambodia or follow us at @UNDPCambodia.