Cambodia

Cambodia is a low-lying tropical country, sitting on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand in Southeast Asia. Its hot, humid climate supports diverse forests, which cover 46% of the country.

Our work here began in 1991 and focuses on explosive clearance and risk education.

328,483

Mines destroyed

131,691

Safety training sessions delivered

Situation in Cambodia

Landmines were laid during the ousting of the Khmer Rouge in 1979, and throughout the 80s and 90s. Over the decades, they've had a devastating impact on the people of Cambodia. Over 65,000 casualties have been recorded since 1979, resulting in 18,800 deaths and nearly 45,000 injuries. This includes 9,087 people with limb loss.

Even after 30 years of peace and many years of mine clearance, Cambodians are still at risk. In 2024, 49 casualties were recorded by the Cambodian Mine Action Authority.

More than half of Cambodia's minefields have been cleared. The rest are largely concentrated along the Thai border in the rural north-west, in a minefield known as the K5. As the population expands, families are forced to move onto mined land, putting their lives at risk.

Children hold buckets for mushroom foraging in a village in Cambodia — Children mushroom picking next to a minefield in Cambodia

Cheng Seang and his family stand on grassy land marked with mine warnings

Once my land is cleared, I want to grow many plants so that I can support my family because we are currently struggling. I want to plant cassava, mango, and durian.

The family lives near the notoriously dangerous K5 mine belt

Cheng Seang
Cambodia farmer

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HALO's work and impact in Cambodia

We employ around 1,200 men and women from mine-affected areas in Cambodia. Our teams clear hundreds of landmines every month.

They primarily work in minefields near the Thai border from Koh Kong to Preah Vihear, and in the south western province of Pursat. In 2025, we began to work on clearing explosives in the east of the country.

We also respond to calls from people all over Cambodia who have found explosives that need to be destroyed safely.

Keeping Cambodia's children safe

Four children pose in front of a minefield with warning signs in Cambodia — Children passing a minefield on their way to school

The threat to the people of Cambodia is still extremely high. Children walk past minefields to get to school every day. Their innate curiosity makes them vulnerable, so our safety training programs are also vital here.

Arya and Molika live next to a minefield. HALO is clearing the land around their new school so they can walk to school and play safely in the surrounding area. Molika wants to be a farmer when she grows up and Arya, who loves learning science, wants to be a nurse. Our work will ensure Arya and Molika can have the opportunities every child deserves, to grow up in a safe place.

A girl sits in front of a danger mines sign in a field in Cambodia

When the mine clearance is completed, then I will not be scared to walk to school anymore.

I want to study at the newly built school where they are removing the landmines because the roof of my old school is leaking, and the walls are falling apart.

Arya
School pupil, Cambodia