Addressing Landmines: International NGOs in Angola & Cambodia

Demining efforts in Angola and Cambodia have been ongoing for decades, but both countries still face significant challenges in clearing millions of landmines left behind by past conflicts. In Angola, more than 73 million square meters of land are still contaminated, with the government struggling to meet its demining obligations. International organizations such as HALO Trust and Norwegian People’s Aid play a crucial role in these operations, but funding has declined, leading to delays in mine clearance.

Similarly, Cambodia grapples with 4 to 6 million remaining landmines, a legacy of its civil war and the Khmer Rouge regime. Organizations like APOPO, known for its use of trained rats in mine detection, work alongside donors like the USA and Germany to support demining efforts. However, progress is slow, and both Angola and Cambodia face challenges as donor support shifts towards other global conflicts like the war in Ukraine.

The interconnectedness of these organizations highlights the shared challenges faced by Angola and Cambodia. Sustained financial support from donor countries is essential for these nations to achieve their demining goals and free their lands from the deadly legacy of war. The international community must prioritize demining efforts in peaceful nations like Angola and Cambodia while also addressing the rampant spread of arms that perpetuate this destructive cycle.