ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center

18/09/2026

Risk Education That Supports Safer Decisions

People living with explosive ordnance contamination may understand the danger and still have limited ability to avoid it. Livelihoods, movement, land use and access to services can all influence the risks people take.

This reality gave urgency to the side event “Making Action 28 Work: Risk Education Leadership under the CCM,” organised by Lao PDR and Lebanon, in its role as the CCM Coordinator on Risk Education, with support from the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining - GICHD and the Convention on Cluster The Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns Implementation Support Unit.

ARMAC contributed an ASEAN regional perspective on turning the commitments under Action 28 of the Vientiane Capital Action Plan into sustained national delivery.

Action 28 connects three essential dimensions of effective explosive ordnance risk education:

Inclusive and community-informed approaches that respond to the different risks and barriers faced by affected people.

Adaptation of messages and delivery methods as contamination, behaviour and operating environments change.

Disaggregated data and evidence that help national authorities identify priority groups, target interventions and assess whether programmes support safer decisions.

ARMAC shared how ASEAN Member States are gradually moving from delivering individual messages towards building integrated, evidence-informed national EORE systems. Good practice increasingly connects risk education with schools, health services, local administrations, community liaison, hazard reporting and clearance.

The discussion also highlighted a persistent challenge: awareness alone may not change behaviour when people face risks because of economic necessity. Effective EORE must therefore connect with livelihood realities, protection measures, development planning and clearance priorities.

ARMAC also introduced the S.A.F.E. digital EORE concept as one example of responsible innovation that could complement national and community-based systems, subject to national validation, localisation, community testing, data protection and clear referral pathways.

The wider message was clear: sustainable EORE requires investment in national systems, trained personnel, community engagement, evidence and programme adaptation, not only individual activities or communication products.

Action 28 provides the framework. National authorities provide the leadership. Regional cooperation and sustainable partnerships can help turn shared learning into safer outcomes for affected communities.

17/09/2026

A Lesson Learned in One Country Should Not Have to Be Relearned at Full Cost in Another

At the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns in Vientiane, ARMAC joined Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), MAG (Mines Advisory Group) and national partners for the side event:

“From Evidence to Action: Advancing Cluster Mu****on Remnant Survey through Regional Cooperation – Lessons and Experience from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam.”

Mr. Hans Risser, NPA Country Director in Cambodia, moderated the discussion, which began with high-level opening remarks by H.E. Senior Minister Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the អាជ្ញាធរមីន - Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA).

The discussion brought together Mr. Bounpheng Sisawath, Director of the NRA Office of Lao PDR; Mr. Jan Erik Støa, NPA Country Director in Lao PDR; Mr. Ea Kimly of the មជ្ឈមណ្ឌលសកម្មភាពកំចាត់មីនកម្ពុជា - CMAC (CMAC); Mr. Eli Mechanic of MAG in Lao PDR; and Ms. Kathy Tin, ARMAC Resource Mobilization Advisor.

Together, they considered a wider question: how can knowledge developed through years of survey, information management, clearance and land release benefit other affected countries?

Representing ARMAC, Ms. Kathy Tin shared a regional perspective on moving from national experience to ASEAN cooperation.

Her central message was simple: regional cooperation should reduce the cost of learning.

Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam have developed extensive knowledge through years of addressing cluster mu****on contamination. This includes successful approaches, methods that required adjustment, data challenges that had to be resolved and operational decisions that produced unexpected results.

Regional cooperation does not mean creating one methodology for every country. It means enabling national authorities to learn directly from peers who have faced similar decisions, understand why particular approaches worked and adapt relevant lessons to their own standards and operating contexts.

ARMAC can support this process by documenting national experience, facilitating focused technical exchanges, connecting Member States with relevant expertise and carrying agreed priorities into regional programmes.

Evidence becomes more valuable when it informs decisions. Experience becomes more valuable when others can learn from it.

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17/09/2026

The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) joins ASEAN in commemorating Malaysia Day, celebrating the unity, diversity and shared spirit that continue to shape Malaysia.

ARMAC extends its warmest wishes to the Government and people of Malaysia on this meaningful occasion, with appreciation for Malaysia’s continued support and contribution to ASEAN cooperation and to ARMAC.

Selamat Hari Malaysia! 🇲🇾

On this day, we commemorate the historic formation of Malaysia in 1963, which brought together diverse communities and cultures as one nation.

Malaysia Day is a reminder of the unity, harmony, and resilience that continue to shape the nation's journey and strengthen the bonds among its people. Happy Malaysia Day!

16/09/2026

National Ownership Turns Partnership into Lasting Mine Action
ARMAC congratulates the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on assuming the Presidency of the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns and leading efforts to advance the Vientiane Capital Action Plan.

Against this important backdrop, Lao PDR and Japan hosted the side event “Lao PDR–Japan Partnership for Nationally Owned and Sustainable UXO/Mine Action: Strengthening National Capacity for Development-linked UXO Clearance and Regional Cooperation.”
The event opened with remarks by the Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, and Mr. Koga, Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in Lao PDR.

The discussion showed what a sustained partnership can achieve when national ownership remains at its centre. Long-term cooperation can help national institutions strengthen their systems, retain expertise and connect humanitarian UXO clearance with national development priorities, while keeping humanitarian principles and affected communities at the heart of decisions.

Joining representatives of UXO Lao, JICA and CMAC, ARMAC’s Programme Coordinator – Mine Action, Mr. Jelson Song, contributed a regional perspective drawn from the varied experiences of ASEAN Member States.
ARMAC’s message was clear: ASEAN does not need a single mine-action model. Countries need practical ways to exchange tested experience, understand the conditions that made it effective and adapt relevant lessons to their own national systems.

Regional cooperation succeeds when knowledge travels across borders while national ownership remains firmly at home.

ARMAC remains committed to helping ASEAN Member States turn national experience into shared regional learning, stronger institutions and safer development outcomes for affected communities.

05/09/2026

Beyond Clearance: Witnessing How Mine Action Makes Recovery Possible

During its mission to Azerbaijan, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) had the honour of joining ITF Enhancing Human Security for a field visit to Aghdam and the wider Qarabagh region, generously hosted by the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan - ANAMA). ARMAC was privileged to undertake the visit alongside Dr. Aleš Musar, First Gentleman of the Republic of Slovenia and Member of the ITF Board of Trustees, and Ambassador Tomaž Lovrenčič, Director of ITF Enhancing Human Security.

The visit offered a powerful opportunity to witness the full human journey of mine action — from the lasting consequences of explosive ordnance to what becomes possible when land is made safe again.

The delegation heard deeply moving accounts from landmine survivors and affected families. Among them was the story of a child who witnessed the loss of his father in a mine accident — a painful reminder that behind every casualty figure is a person, a family and a story that continues long after the incident.

Yet alongside these difficult stories, the delegation witnessed remarkable transformation. In areas once heavily affected by explosive ordnance, clearance is enabling roads, infrastructure and communities to return. The scale and pace at which mine action is being translated into recovery and development left a profound impression on ARMAC.

Mine action does not end when an explosive item is removed.

Clearance creates the conditions for people to return.
Victim assistance helps people rebuild their lives.
Risk education helps communities live more safely.
And recovery turns safe land into opportunity and a future.

The visit also provided a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives with Dr. Musar, Ambassador Lovrenčič, ANAMA and international partners on how humanitarian mine action can contribute to human security, recovery and sustainable development.

ARMAC extends its sincere appreciation to ANAMA and its leadership for making this important visit possible and for sharing Azerbaijan’s experience, achievements and lessons with the delegation.

As an ASEAN regional centre of excellence, ARMAC remains committed to connecting international experience with regional dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation among ASEAN Member States.

Because the true impact of mine action is measured not only by what is removed from the ground, but by the lives, communities and futures that can be rebuilt upon.

02/09/2026

Baku, Azerbaijan | 4th International Conference on Mine Action

ARMAC was honoured to participate in the 4th International Conference on Mine Action in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together more than 400 participants from 65 countries, consisting of governments, national mine action authorities, international organisations and partners to exchange perspectives on advancing humanitarian mine action and supporting safe and sustainable recovery for mine-affected communities.

ARMAC congratulates the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan - ANAMA) on convening this important international gathering under the theme “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements.”

As part of the conference, ARMAC contributed to Panel II: “International Cooperation and Donor Mechanisms to Support Safe Recovery through Mine Action in Azerbaijan,” sharing ASEAN’s regional experience and perspectives on how regional cooperation can support mine-affected countries through peer learning, stronger institutional connections, sustained cooperation and confidence-building.

The panel was moderated by Mr. Pere Joan Pons Sampeitro, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, alongside distinguished panelists H.E. Mr. Samir Sharifov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Mr. Tim Lardner, Director of Europe and Central Asia Region, United Nations Office for Project Services; Mr. Arturo Rodriguez Tonelli, Regional Programme Manager, European Commission Service for Foreign Policy Instruments; And Mr. Gianluca Brusco, Humanitarian Affairs Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy.

ARMAC highlighted a simple principle from ASEAN’s experience: mine action must remain nationally owned and nationally led, but no mine-affected country should have to face its recovery journey alone. Regional and international cooperation can help countries learn from one another, connect expertise and institutions, build trust, and translate shared experience into practical action.

ARMAC extends its sincere appreciation to Azerbaijan and ANAMA for their warm hospitality and leadership, and congratulates all involved on a meaningful conference that continues to strengthen dialogue, partnership and international cooperation in humanitarian mine action.

Together, shared knowledge and stronger partnerships can contribute to safer recovery and a more secure future for affected communities.

26/08/2026

Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Comprehensive Victim Assistance

Victim assistance is one of the core mandates of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC). Strengthening this work requires not only an understanding of physical rehabilitation, but also of the psychological, social and economic factors that shape a survivor’s recovery and reintegration.

To deepen this understanding, ARMAC conducted a Psychosocial Support Capacity-Building Workshop for its personnel, facilitated by ARMAC’s Regional Technical Advisor for Victim Assistance and Psychosocial Support - Ms. Leila El Ali.

Through reflection exercises, role plays, group discussions and practical activities, participants explored the visible and invisible impacts experienced by survivors and persons with disabilities, including fear, anxiety, shame, grief, changes in identity and loss of confidence. Discussions also highlighted how some of these impacts can be reinforced by the way families, communities and society respond to survivors.

A key focus of the workshop was the importance of listening and supportive communication. Participants examined how interrupting, judging, asking intrusive questions becomes barrier to good listening.

The workshop also reinforced that recovery is not a straight line. Like pieces of a puzzle, psychological well-being, family and peer support, access to services, identity and purpose, physical accessibility, education, livelihoods and social inclusion are interconnected. The needs and priorities of each survivor may also differ throughout their recovery journey.

The central lesson was clear: comprehensive victim assistance means supporting the whole person, not only treating the injury.

By strengthening this understanding internally, ARMAC continues to build its institutional capacity to support ASEAN Member States in advancing survivor-centred approaches that promote dignity, confidence, well-being, participation and meaningful inclusion.

What changes when we see the person—not only the injury?

Join ARMAC in advancing survivor-centred victim assistance across ASEAN. Through psychosocial support, training, and capacity-building, we can help address the wider needs of people and communities affected by explosive ordnance.

ASEAN Member States, practitioners, and relevant stakeholders are invited to engage with ARMAC’s initiatives and explore opportunities for collaboration. To learn more, contact [email protected].

25/08/2026

ARMAC welcomed Ms. Kazumi Ogawa, Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), to the ARMAC Permanent Secretariat in Phnom Penh for an exchange on regional cooperation in humanitarian mine action.

The discussion explored how national experiences can support regional learning, and how regional platforms can help connect these experiences with wider international knowledge and practice. The exchange focused on national ownership, South-South and triangular cooperation, knowledge sharing, and sustainable mine action.

For ARMAC, regional cooperation is grounded in the experience, capacities and priorities of ASEAN Member States. Connecting these strengths across borders creates opportunities for lessons and good practices from one context to benefit others.

ARMAC values the dialogue with UNMAS and looks forward to exploring opportunities to connect ASEAN expertise with broader global experience and contribute ASEAN perspectives to international mine action learning.

21/08/2026

Jakarta Is a Starting Point, Not an Endpoint

After three days of presentations, national dialogue, operational exchange and hands-on design, the workshop closed its substantive discussions by returning to one question:
What happens next?

The Final Reflection and Way Forward was moderated by Ms. Mala Selvaraju, Assistant Director, Security Cooperation Division 2, ASEAN Secretariat, who invited participants to reflect not only on what they had learned, but on what their own institutions could begin doing before the region meets again.
The discussion brought the workshop’s central messages into focus.

First, national ownership remains fundamental. Regional cooperation should complement and strengthen national systems while respecting national authority, institutional mandates and different operational contexts.

Second, regional cooperation must provide practical value. The AIM Hub should be judged by whether it helps Member States strengthen capacity, exchange knowledge, improve information management, support appropriate interoperability and make better-informed decisions.

Third, trust will be essential. Clear governance, agreed information-sharing arrangements, safeguards, data quality and clarity on how information will be used are prerequisites for sustained participation.

Fourth, people and institutions matter as much as technology. A platform cannot substitute for human capacity, institutional commitment and trusted relationships.

Fifth, implementation should be practical and progressive. Not every possible function needs to be built immediately. Begin with the priorities that offer clear regional value, learn from implementation, and expand as agreement, capacity and resources grow.

And finally: Jakarta is a starting point, not an endpoint.

The strength of ASEAN does not come from making every national system the same. It comes from learning from one another, connecting what already exists, identifying where cooperation adds value, and building trust around what Member States choose to develop together.

The AIM Hub is therefore not simply a technology project.
Its real value will come from the people it connects, the knowledge it makes accessible, the capacity it helps strengthen and the cooperation it enables.

20/08/2026

From Discussion to Design: ASEAN Participants Shape the AIM Hub
By the final day, the workshop moved beyond identifying challenges.

Participants were asked to design.

Across four breakout groups, ASEAN Member States and partners worked through a practical sequence: identify regional priorities, distinguish what must remain national, define the AIM Hub’s essential functions, set clear boundaries on what it must never do, and place those priorities on a realistic roadmap.

The exercise was organised around four pillars:
NETWORK — people, focal points, coordination and capacity
LIBRARY — knowledge, guidance, templates and lessons
STANDARD — common terminology, data quality, governance and minimum regional requirements
EXCHANGE — agreed ways to share, analyse and use regional information

Across the group results, strong areas of convergence emerged.
The AIM Hub should have clear focal points and coordination mechanisms. It should support common terminology, standards, templates, data quality, knowledge sharing, technical support and sustainable capacity. At the same time, participants were equally clear about the boundaries.

The Hub must not replace national systems. It must not change national figures, bypass national authorities, direct operations, create duplicate reporting, centralise sensitive information or enable unauthorised publication or data sharing.

The roadmap also reflected a progressive approach.

Some actions can begin early: focal point nomination, directories, technical working arrangements, knowledge exchange and regional dialogue.

Others require a stronger foundation: common terminology, SOPs, validation tools, data dictionaries, governance arrangements and sustainability planning.

Information-sharing protocols, validation authority, access rules, security arrangements and agreed regional datasets require Member State agreement.

More advanced functions—regional platforms, dashboards, analytics, automated exchange and AI applications—belong later, once trust, governance and capacity are mature enough to support them.

This was not a theoretical design exercise.

It was ASEAN participants defining what regional value should look like—and, just as importantly, where regional cooperation should stop.