As the US foreign aid freeze casts a shadow over Cambodia’s demining efforts, the country remains committed to its ambitious goal of being mine-free by 2030. Despite the uncertainty, alternative funding sources are emerging to support the nation’s humanitarian commitments.
The US foreign aid freeze, announced by President Donald Trump‘s ‘America First’ agenda, has cast a long shadow over demining efforts in Cambodia. The country aims to clear all mines and unexploded ordinance by 2030, but the aid freeze raises fears that Washington is preparing to end its long-term humanitarian commitments.
The US foreign aid freeze refers to a policy where the US government temporarily halts its financial assistance to other countries.
This can be due to various reasons such as budget constraints, diplomatic tensions, or concerns over corruption and mismanagement of funds.
According to the US Agency for International Development (USAID), in 2020, the US provided approximately $39 billion in foreign aid.
The freeze can have significant impacts on recipient countries, including delayed projects, reduced economic growth, and increased poverty rates.
Facts show that US foreign aid has been instrumental in promoting global development, reducing poverty, and improving 'healthcare outcomes.'
Cambodia remains littered with landmines and unexploded ordinance, some dating back to US bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War. The country was plagued by a deadly civil conflict and the rise of the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s, followed by the Vietnamese invasion and occupation, which lasted until 1989. The legacy of this conflict continues to affect Cambodia today.
The US foreign policy shift has led to a freeze on aid, leaving recipients and administrators in limbo. Cambodia has received $208 million from the US to clear landmines since 1993, representing around 30% of total funding for demining efforts. However, the deadline to review Trump‘s suspension passed on April 20, but no further clarity has been provided.
The international community refers to a group of nations and organizations that work together to address global issues.
This collective entity is formed through diplomatic efforts, treaties, and agreements.
The 'United Nations' (UN) plays a significant role in facilitating communication and cooperation among member states.
According to the 'UN's 193 member countries', the international community has made significant progress in promoting peace, security, and human rights.
Statistics show that the number of conflicts has decreased since the establishment of the 'UN' in 1945.
China promises more demining funds, providing over $35 million since 2016, with an additional pledge of $4.4 million for this year. Other countries, including Japan and Luxembourg, are also pitching in to support Cambodia‘s demining efforts. Despite these alternative funding sources, the US aid freeze remains a significant concern.
Even after three decades of clearance work, new mines and other explosive remnants of war (ERWs) continue to be discovered. Cambodians face daily risks of injury or death from landmines and ERWs, with many areas still contaminated. The UN estimates that between 1979 and the end of 2022, landmines and ERWs killed 29,605 people and injured over 21,000.
Cambodians are an ethnic group native to Cambodia, with a rich cultural heritage dating back over 2,000 years.
They speak the Khmer language and practice Theravada Buddhism.
Historically, Cambodians were influenced by Indian and Chinese cultures, which is evident in their architecture, art, and literature.
The country's ancient temples, such as Angkor Wat, are a testament to their advanced knowledge of engineering and architecture.
Today, Cambodians continue to value their cultural traditions while adapting to modernization.
Cambodia’s demining experts often use rats to detect mines without risk to humans. Despite the challenges, the country remains committed to its goal of being mine-free by 2030. The UNDP‘s Clearing for Results project, which began in 2006, is now entering its fifth and final phase, with an approximate budget of $25 million. Efforts are ongoing to secure further partners, including Germany, Switzerland, and Canada.
While the US aid freeze raises concerns, demining efforts will continue even if Washington is no longer a reliable partner. ‘The loser here is not going to be Cambodia, it’s going to be America,’ noted Bill Morse, a former US soldier. The international community must come together to support Cambodia‘s demining efforts and ensure that the country can achieve its ambitious goal of being mine-free by 2030.
