• Hundreds gathered in Cambodia for the 'March for a Mine-Free World', demonstrating unity towards this global cause.
• Ly Thuch, a senior minister, emphasized that each step taken is a step towards safety and peace.
• The march precedes the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World, aiming to bring attention to the devastating effects of landmines.
• The march is a significant step towards a safer future, hoping to inspire similar initiatives globally.

In the heart of Cambodia, a significant event unfolded on Sunday, as hundreds of individuals, including survivors of landmine explosions and those involved in demining operations, gathered at the Angkor Archeological Park in northwest Cambodia. This gathering was not just a simple assembly of people, but a powerful demonstration of unity and commitment towards a global cause - the 'March for a Mine-Free World'.

The march commenced at the revered Angkor Wat, a symbol of Cambodia's rich history and cultural heritage, and concluded at the historic Elephant Terrace, covering a distance of approximately four kilometers. This journey, though short in distance, carried a profound message of peace and safety.

Ly Thuch, a senior minister and first vice president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), addressed the crowd at the event. He emphasized the purpose of the march, stating, Each step we take together is a step toward safety, toward peace, and toward a future where no one has to worry about hidden dangers beneath their feet.

The Symbolism and Impact of the March

The Deputy Governor of Siem Reap province, Samkol Sochetra, also spoke at the event, reinforcing the symbolism of the march. He described it as a powerful demonstration of shared commitment to a world free from the threat of landmines.

This march was not an isolated event, but a prelude to the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World, scheduled to take place from November 25-29. The summit, as reported by Xinhua news agency, is expected to further the cause championed by the march and bring more attention to the issue of landmines and their devastating effects.

Cambodia, unfortunately, is no stranger to the horrors of landmines. The country is among the worst affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERWs). It is estimated that between four million to six million landmines and other munitions remain from three decades of war and internal conflicts that ended in 1998.

The Ongoing Threat of Landmines

The impact of these remnants of war is staggering. According to a report by the CMAA, from 1979 to June 2024, landmine and ERW explosions have claimed 19,830 lives and either injured or amputated 45,242 others. These figures are a stark reminder of the urgent need for demining efforts and the importance of initiatives like the 'March for a Mine-Free World'.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the ongoing threat of landmines and ERWs in October, stating that more than one million people in the Southeast Asian country still live in areas contaminated by these deadly remnants of war.

Historically, similar events have taken place around the world, with nations coming together to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and the need for a mine-free world. These events, like the one in Cambodia, serve as a rallying cry for peace and safety, and a call to action for the international community to join in the efforts to rid the world of the hidden dangers beneath our feet.