AKP Phnom Penh, December 03, 2025 --

Cambodia has issued a forceful condemnation of the use of cluster munitions, declaring the weapon a "serious violation of international humanitarian law" that warrants universal denunciation, irrespective of a country's adherence to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM).

Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), delivered the strong rebuke during a bilateral meeting with Pamela Moraga, Director of the CCM's Implementation Support Unit, in Geneva on Dec. 2.

The Senior Minister emphasised that the use of cluster munitions, particularly when targeting non-combatants, constitutes a "grave breach of international law and fundamental humanitarian principles."

"Even if a country is not a State Party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the use of cluster munitions, especially against civilian populations, is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and must be condemned," H.E. Ly Thuch stated.

The Senior Minister drew attention to the enduring humanitarian impact, specifically referencing the reported use of the weapons by the Thai military during armed clashes with Cambodia in July 2025. He stressed that unexploded submunitions continue to pose severe, long-term risks, especially to children, long after hostilities cease.

"Although the security situation has eased, fear among local communities persists due to unexploded remnants of war scattered across villages, farmland and forests—especially cluster munition remnants," he noted. "Most tragically, a young Cambodian was recently killed after coming into contact with an unexploded submunition left behind by these attacks."

Acting on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia and victims of cluster munitions, H.E. Ly Thuch urged both the international community and the CCM to issue the strongest possible condemnation against users of these weapons. 

He further called for accountability for the enduring humanitarian harm inflicted on civilian populations.

Cambodia remains one of the nations most severely impacted by landmines and explosive remnants of war, cementing its role as a leading global advocate for the protection of civilians and the reinforcement of international humanitarian norms.

By K. Rithy Reak