AKP Phnom Penh, July 03, 2025 --

Cambodia is celebrating Tonga's accession as the 166th State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Treaty. 

This marks a significant victory for global humanitarian mine action, spearheaded by Cambodia during its 2024 presidency of the convention.

The announcement came from H.E. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), who is currently serving as the Convention's President for 2025. Tonga's commitment follows closely on the heels of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which became the 165th State Party.

H.E. Ly Thuch concluded a week-long mission today, having visited Tonga, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia to champion their adherence to the Convention. 

During Cambodia's 2024 presidency, a key focus was advocating for a mine-free Pacific, and the recent accessions are a direct result of these efforts.

During the mission, the Cambodian delegation engaged with senior leaders and parliamentarians in all three nations, urging them to consider joining the Convention. All three Pacific nations responded positively, committing to present Cambodia's request to their respective governments for further deliberation.

The Marshall Islands officially acceded in June, with its membership becoming effective on Sept. 1, 2025. Tonga's accession, formalised this month, will enter into force on Dec. 1, 2025. Micronesia is also in the process of preparing its documentation to join as the 167th State Party, a step that will significantly advance the goal of a mine-free Pacific.

H.E. Ly Thuch acknowledged the crucial role of Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, commending his "visionary leadership and strong commitment" to promoting global humanitarian mine action. 

This leadership, he noted, has elevated Cambodia's international standing and garnered widespread praise from State Parties to the Convention and numerous international institutions.

These recent accessions are particularly noteworthy as they represent the first new states to join the Convention in nearly seven years. 

This achievement underscores the impact of Cambodia's leadership and dedicated efforts during its 2024 presidency of the Ottawa Convention.

By K. Rithy Reak