Clearing landmines in Cambodia

Fifty years after the start of the genocide that wiped out a quarter of its eight million population, Cambodia remains one of the most heavily landmined countries in the world.

More than 65,000 people have been killed or injured by explosive devices since the end of the conflict – and almost one million still live in areas affected by the remnants of war.

Aki Ra was one of thousands of child soldiers ordered to lay landmines by the Khmer Rouge after taking control of Cambodia on 17 April 1975.

He speaks to Jacqueline Paine about living under the regime and then risking his life to clear unexploded mines.

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(Photo: A display of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines in Cambodia. Credit: Getty Images/Peter Charlesworth)