UN Secretary-General Reaffirms Commitment to Address UXO Legacy in Lao PDR

Since the end of the War, more than 20,000 people have been killed or permanently disabled from UXO accidents. Casualties in 2024 are already overtaking those in 2023, with 47 people killed or injured. What is alarming is that over 60 percent of victims are children. Most living survivors of accidents involving explosive remnants of war need medical care, physical rehabilitation and psychosocial support for the rest of their life.   

A highlight of the visit was the Secretary-General’s interaction with the UNDP Resident Representative, Martine Thérer, on The Stories from the Plateau, an artistic exhibition by Lao artist Bounpaul Photisan. The centerpiece of this exhibition is an artistic rendering of a cluster munition casing, which tells personal stories from the Indochina War (1964-1973) and its aftermath. Through Photisan’s vision, the cluster munition casing illustrates the war’s enduring impact on people, wildlife, and environment.

For nearly three decades, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been a steadfast partner to the Government of Lao PDR in addressing UXO contamination. In collaboration with national authorities, UNDP has been leading the sector and has supported the establishment of the National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action Sector (NRA) and the National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao). Together, they have achieved clearance of 918 km2 of land and removing nearly two million UXO. 

In recognition of the importance of this work, the Government of Lao PDR has adopted UXO clearance as the 18th National Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): Lives Safe from UXO. The contamination directly affects the country’s capacity to meet its development aspirations, especially in rural provinces where fertile land lies fallow due to the presence of UXO.

During his visit, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to support Lao PDR in its efforts to overcome the challenges posed by UXOs. He highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in safeguarding lives and enabling sustainable development in the country, particularly for the rural communities most affected by UXO contamination.

“We must continue to work together—Lao PDR and the global community—to rid the land of UXO. Only then can the people of this beautiful country build a future free from fear, and fully realize their development potential,” said Secretary-General Guterres.