Our current work in Cambodia

A major focus of Austcare's work in Cambodia is integrated mine action, which takes a holistic approach to meeting the needs of mine-affected communities and the landless poor. As well as clearing land of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) to make it safe for resettlement and agriculture, Austcare provides further assistance in a range of areas to enable communities to maximise their use of the land. Our integrated mine action work targets communities in remote areas close to the heavily-mined K5 belt in western Banteay Meanchy (BMC) Province.

Austcare's approach to mine action counters the land-grabbing and ownership disputes that often accompany mine clearance. Selected beneficiary families receive a certificate for a carefully measured plot after clearance, and their use of the land is monitored following settlement.

Austcare also provides skills training for vulnerable groups, particularly landmine survivors, people with disabilities and women, to improve livelihood opportunities. This helps to improve the self-sufficiency and socio-economic conditions of vulnerable people, who are often forced to seek alternative sources of food and income by crossing illegally into Thailand for seasonal work or foraging in the heavy mined forest nearby. Agricultural training improves the efficiency and environmental sustainability of farmers so that they have sufficient food year-round, and even surplus food to sell at market.

Highlights

- 1,700,000 square metres of land cleared of landmines and unexploded ordnance since 2000, creating safe areas for resettlement, agriculture, transit and schools.

- Cleared land has granted to 345 families, who now have space to grow vegetables or crops and whose children can play and collect firewood safely.

- 8,900 community members provided with mine risk education. This included teaching people how to approach community leaders before travelling to unfamiliar places, showing people how to recognise mines and mark the spot, and instructing them how to contact professional deminers to remove the mine.

- 83 wells constructed in 43 villages. Villagers no longer have to make long and often dangerous trips through mined areas to collect water for drinking, washing, and tending their crops.

- Water Point Committee elections were successfully held at Trapeang Taav Thme and OSvay villages with equal participation of men and women. 40 families now have access to 20-40 litres of water per day.

- Latrines and crucial materials for minimising insect-bourne diseases distributed to 15 vulnerable families. 40 families received a kit containing a hoe, rake, bucket and kettle. This is part of the primary health care and hygiene/water disease education program.

- 78 members from 39 Farmer Groups provided with training in chicken and pig raising and vegetable and fruit tree growing.

- Adult literacy training provided to 60 teachers, and 1,500 students attending adult education classes.