Unearthing Hope: Norwegian People's Aid Transforms Cambodia's Dangerous Legacy
Empowering Communities in Ratanakiri Province Through Comprehensive Mine Clearance Efforts.
Nestled between Vietnam and Laos, Cambodia's northeastern province of Ratanakiri is a land of striking contrasts. Krama-clad farmers tend lush green rice fields, while red-earth roads weave through the landscape beneath looming thunderclouds.
Yet, beneath this tranquil scenery lies a deadly legacy. Ratanakiri sits along the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail, a key supply route during the Vietnam War. As a result, it was heavily bombed, with cluster munitions—canisters carrying up to 100 baseball-sized "bombies"—raining down on the region. Many failed to detonate, leaving behind a silent threat that has persisted for decades.
A Community Living in Fear
For the people of Ratanakiri, these hidden dangers are a daily reality. Ms. Khem Tao, a 45-year-old landowner in Bei village, recalls the fear and tragedy that have gripped her community.
"Three people in my village have been killed by bombies since 1998. When we first started to farm the land, we were very afraid. We saw a lot of bombies when we were digging in the rice field behind our house. Mostly, we were worried about the safety of our children, that they are in danger all the time. We know that we live in a dangerous area, but we have no choice. This is our land; we were born here."
Norwegian People’s Aid Steps In
Since 1992, Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has been a leader in humanitarian mine action in Cambodia, working to rid the country of the remnants of war. In 2013, the efforts in Ratanakiri intensified as NPA deployed all-female survey teams to assess the extent of UXO contamination. Through village meetings, interviews, and physical land inspections, these teams mapped hazardous areas, paving the way for large-scale clearance operations.
In 2017, NPA expanded the efforts by introducing explosive detection dog teams in Koun Mom district. In just seven months, they successfully removed 286 cluster munitions and cleared 398,457 square meters of land—restoring safety and security to hundreds of families.
Reclaiming the Land, Rebuilding the Future
For Ms. Tao and her neighbors, the impact of NPA’s work has been life-changing.
"Now we can use the small tractor to plow our land, and we plan to grow some cashew and mango trees next month," she says, her voice filled with hope for the future.
Clearing the land doesn’t just remove physical dangers—it unlocks economic potential. Farmers can work without fear, children can play safely, and entire communities can thrive once again.
A Safer Future for Cambodia
Despite significant progress, Cambodia’s battle against UXOs is far from over. Norwegian People’s Aid remains committed to the mission—working tirelessly to ensure that no family has to live in fear of what lies beneath their feet.
Through perseverance, expertise, and collaboration with local communities, NPA is not only clearing the remnants of war but also laying the foundation for a safer, more prosperous future for Cambodia.