Japan will provide a comprehensive package of assistance to humanitarian mine action for its various needs and stages (mine risk education, landmine clearance, and victim assistance), in collaboration with various partners, such as international organisations, NGOs, and Japanese companies.
The ‘Japan’s Comprehensive Package of Assistance to Humanitarian Mine Action’ was announced by H.E. Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during her visit to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) on July 6, along with the launch of ‘Japan-Cambodia Landmine Initiative.’
On the occasion, H.E. Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko was briefed by CMAC Director General H.E. Heng Ratana on its more than 30 years of humanitarian mine action in Cambodia. She was also explained that 20 percent of CMAC staff members are women which shows CMAC efforts from the perspective of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).
The Japanese top diplomat expressed her respect for their efforts and stated that Japan also aims to work in each of the p
hases of humanitarian mine action, bearing in mind the WPS perspective. She then observed a demonstration of demining activity by members of the CMAC, using the equipment provided by the Japanese Government.
According to a press release of the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia, under the Japan’s comprehensive package, Japan will implement assistance to humanitarian action based on three approaches: (1) Triangular cooperation with Cambodia as a hub; (2) Strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries and international organisations; and Utilisation of the latest science, technology and innovation.
Furthermore, the Japanese foreign minister announced the launch of ‘Japan-Cambodia Landmine Initiative’ in order to embody the above-mentioned comprehensive package in cooperation with Cambodia. Under this initiative, Japan will strengthen cooperation under the four pillars: (1) raise awareness of the inhumanity of landmines and build international momentum for mine reduction, (2) creation in the relevant Cambodian
organisation of an international cooperation team for a world free from landmines, (3) Japan-Cambodia cooperation to support humanitarian mine action in third countries and (4) development of equipment using the latest technologies.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse
