Landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) continue to endanger the lives of Cambodia’s poorest and most vulnerable. Recognising mine action as a top priority for the country's rehabilitation and development, the government developed CMDG 9, which aims to move to zero impact from landmines and ERW by 2015 by clearing contaminated areas, reducing casualties, and providing victim assistance.

Progress is on track for this goal. Cambodia has made extraordinary progress in reducing casualties from landmines and ERW – the annual number of civilian casualties recorded has fallen from a record 4,320 in 1996 to 241 in 2009. Also by June 2009, about 50,000 hectares of land had been cleared by licensed humanitarian demining operators and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (out of an assumed total target of 1,150,000 ), about 44 percent .  Through strengthened technical processes, clearance methods are becoming safer and more efficient.  Progress is therefore on track.

However, landmines and ERW continue seriously hinder efforts to combat poverty and improve the livelihoods of rural Cambodians. Contaminated land cannot be used for houses, schools, roads, or agriculture, and communities are faced with the long-term burden of caring for survivors. Cambodia has made a remarkable transition from being infamous for its landmine problem to becoming a global leader in the sector, but continued commitment from the Government and sustained support from the international community are critical to achieving CMDG 9.