How many landmines have been removed from Cambodia?

Over 64,000 casualties and more than 25,000 amputees have been recorded since 1979. Around 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.

Why is Cambodia full of landmines?

The mines were spread throughout the country over several decades, the result of constant warring between the Khmer Rouge and its opposing factions. Mines are even found in the streets of small remote townships, with unsuspecting locals living on top of them for years before they’re discovered.

Who put all the landmines in Cambodia?

The Chinese-made landmines in Cambodia were placed by the Cambodian factions (including the Lon Nol, Khmer Rouge, the United States, the Heng Samrin and Hun Sen regimes, as well as the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea who, with international support retained the UN seat throughout much of the 1980s) which …

How many landmines are removed every year?

Egypt, Angola, and Iran account for more than 85 per cent of the total number of mine-related casualties in the world each year. Until recently, about 100 000 mines were being removed, and about two million more were planted each year.

How many landmines have been cleared in Cambodia?

Cambodia’s tumultuous history, marked by 30 years of violence has left millions of landmines around the country. During the civil war, warring factions laid an estimated four to six million landmines. Over a million have been cleared by the government, and others have exploded or been cleared unofficially, but many more remain.

How much does it cost to Demin land mines in Cambodia?

In 2003, CMAA estimated that the combined cost for demining operations, including technical assistance and in kind contributions for Cambodia were about $40 million per year. Experts estimated that Cambodia would need another 10 to 20 years to clear the mines if the current level of funding was maintained.

Are there rats that can detect landmines in Cambodia?

Last week, a group of 20 newly trained landmine detection rats were tested by the Cambodian Mine Action Center and “passed with flying colors,” the organization said. The rats, who the organization refers to as HeroRATS, are the only animals that can safely detect landmines because of their light weight and sense of smell.

Where are the most heavily mined areas in Cambodia?

Some say the K-5 mine belt is the most heavily mined area in the world. In Peam Ta village alone, 11 mines and 118 other explosive remnants of war were cleared from just one of the 32 minefields there. Cambodia is one of 161 countries that have signed the Mine Ban Treaty.