Siem Reap: Anti-landmine advocates among over 700 delegates from 105 countries and 50 civil society organisations joining the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World appreciate its depth and breadth, feeling optimistic about the platform in freeing the world from the killer.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Mr. Diatta Sarani from the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) in Senegal found the designed sessions and discussions very useful, especially the good lessons learned from Cambodia’s demining work. Ms. Taryn Sebba from ICBL in Canada echoed the impression and was positive that the event will inspire the international community to take more action to ensure a peaceful world where no one will be harmed by landmines and conflicts.
Mr. Ruslan Yakob of Ukraine, a former soldier who lost one leg in war and has been supported as a member of a humanitarian mine clearance organisation, The HALO Trust, highly valued the summit to discuss ways to stop war and clear landmines. He highlighted tha
t the conflict happening in Ukraine has claimed lives and destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals, forcing many to flee their homes and country.
When the armed conflict in Ukraine ends, through the networking and agreement from the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit, he hoped that experienced countries like Cambodia, development partners, and donors will assist Ukraine in rebuilding the country.
Cambodia is hosting the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World in Siem Reap province from Nov. 25 to 29, 2024.