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Cambodia Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Community Education

Cambodia, Southeast Asia

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre, established in 1992, conducts mine awareness campaigns in a country with 4-6 million buried mines/UXO from conflicts dating to the 1960s. CMAC's community-based education, supported by Peace Boat's P-MAC since 1998, has contributed to dramatic casualty reduction - from 600 monthly casualties in 1992 to 56 in 2000, and further 94% reduction from 1,249 casualties in 1998 to 77 in 2019. P-MAC has funded clearance of 1.7 million square meters and construction of schools/health centers in cleared areas. Awareness methods include community workshops, school programs, and integration with returnee repatriation.

Behavior Goal

Reduce landmine casualties through community awareness; enable safe use of cleared land; support returnee reintegration

Target Audiences

General Population

Methods & Approaches

Community Mobilization

Implementers & Partners

  • Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC)
  • Peace Boat Mine Abolition Campaign (P-MAC)

Donors & Sponsors

  • Japanese donors
  • International community

Key Takeaways

  • 1Long-term programs (30+ years) achieve sustained casualty reduction
  • 2Integration of clearance with development (schools, health centers) maximizes impact
  • 3Community-based approach adapts to local knowledge and priorities
  • 494% casualty reduction demonstrates effectiveness of sustained efforts
  • 5International solidarity (P-MAC Japan) provides sustained funding

Sources

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