SIEM REAP— Tun Chan Nareth, a former soldier who lost both legs to a landmine in 1982, has been a tireless advocate for a landmine-free Cambodia since 1994. Speaking on the sidelines of the fifth review conference of the Ottawa Convention in Siem Reap, that ended on November 29, Nareth commended the government's progress towards its 2025 goal of a landmine-free nation.

“Nowadays, the government has already announced that 15 provinces in Cambodia are now landmine-free. This result makes me happy, and I hope that no Cambodian will become a victim of landmines in the future,” said Nareth.

While acknowledging this significant achievement, Nareth also urged the government to prioritize the needs of people with disabilities. “Cambodia has a significant number of people with disabilities caused by the civil war and landmine issues,” he explained. “Therefore, I encourage the government to pay more attention and provide additional support to this vulnerable group.”

Despite the ambitious 2025 goal of a mine-free Cambodia, Nareth highlighted the ongoing challenges. “Many other places still have to be demined, which requires more funding,” he pointed out. “In particular, the Cambodia-Thailand and Cambodia-Vietnam borders still need to be cleared of landmines.”

Voice for landmine victims

In the same interview, Nareth said he has tried hard to be a representative of other landmine victims on international stages so that their suffering and challenges are never overlooked.

“I showed to delegates how much Cambodian victims are suffering from the landmine and the difficulties we face living on unsafe land littered with mines for over 30 years,” he shared.

His message of hope and resilience echoes across borders. “Landmine victims in Cambodia and other countries should not lose hope, as they are not alone in facing these challenges and should never give up.”

To prevent further suffering, Nareth urged immediate action. “Because landmines are still being used, I call on all countries that have yet to sign the mine ban convention and those that have yet to contribute funding to start taking action now.”

Nareth emphasized the limitations of international aid, stating, "In terms of international support, development aid given to Cambodia need to be increased because they cannot provide the actual body parts lost due to landmines. Consider prosthetic legs; they are not equivalent to real legs."

He urged continued support in the form of prosthetic limbs, mobility aids, financial assistance, and skills training to empower survivors.

Reflecting on his own experiences as a soldier, Nareth acknowledged the sacrifices made for the country.

“As a soldier who fought in the war to save Cambodia, my losses were a sacrifice and an act of loyalty to Cambodia. I hope that the next generation, who are not able to make sacrifices, will not worsen society but instead help protect and develop it country.”

Despite the hardships he faced, Nareth maintained a positive outlook.

“I wasn’t much upset, but sadness still lingered in my heart. However, I didn’t express those feelings because my eyes could still see how other Cambodians were able to walk, speak, and be happy. I want to walk and be happy like them. But it is my karma, even though my parents gave birth to me with a full body.”

He concluded with a heartfelt message for future generations: “I don’t want to see my children, grandchildren, or younger generations of Cambodia face the same regrets I have, even though I don’t regret it.”

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Chhuon Kongieng for Cambodianess.