Cambodia is HALO’s second oldest programme, established 28 years ago in response to the devastating accident rate caused by the thousands of landmines laid during the ousting of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 and throughout the 80s and 90s.

Thanks to the dedication of our team of Cambodian staff, around half of the country’s minefields have now been cleared. Last week we were honoured to celebrate the loyalty and outstanding contribution of eight of our longest serving Cambodian team. Between them, they have amassed over 200 years of working for HALO. Their skills and expertise have saved countless lives. The work they do is challenging, spending weeks at a time out in the field which requires them to display great physical and mental discipline to conduct their job safely and efficiently.

Over the years, they have not only passed on their knowledge and wisdom to hundreds of Cambodian colleagues, but also to the many international HALO staff who begin their training in Cambodia.

The incredible contribution of our Cambodian colleagues was marked at a special event in Phnom Penh attended by the British Ambassador, Tina Redshaw, the US Deputy Chief of Mission, Michael Newbill and senior representatives of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority.