Laos at the Forefront of the Cluster Munitions Fight
Laos is sending a clear message against cluster munitions, calling on the global community to step up action. Marking its 15th anniversary as a state party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the government urges stronger international cooperation and additional resources to end the suffering caused by unexploded bombs.
Speaking in Geneva, Deputy Foreign Minister Anouparb Vongnorkeo highlighted that rural communities remain heavily reliant on international support. Laos is determined to pursue the objectives of the treaty and broader international development goals, demonstrating its long-term commitment to safety and reconstruction.
At the 13th Meeting of States Parties in Geneva, Laos used the milestone not only to celebrate progress but also to renew the global call for engagement. Close collaboration with countries such as Ireland, the Philippines, and Norway showcases shared achievements and a joint approach to remaining challenges. A special event titled “A Fifteen-Year Journey: Lao PDR’s Story under the Convention on Cluster Munitions” emphasised Laos’s role as one of the world’s most affected nations.
Bomb Remnants Continue to Threaten Villages
Despite ongoing clearance efforts, unexploded ordnance (UXO) still poses a daily threat in Laos. Between January and June this year, clearance teams removed over 35,000 explosive remnants across 14 provinces, including 16,000 cluster munitions. These operations allow farmers to safely cultivate land and communities to pursue infrastructure and development plans.
Yet the dangers remain stark. In the first six months of 2024 alone, seven accidents left 12 people injured, four fatally, with children accounting for two-thirds of victims. The statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced risk awareness and intensified clearance in the most affected regions.
The UN Development Programme reports that 181,531 people across eleven provinces received safety guidance to avoid accidents, while 172,109 survivors gained support to rebuild their lives. These numbers demonstrate tangible progress, but they also highlight how far Laos still has to go to ensure safety for all citizens.
Fifteen Years of Progress and Ongoing Challenges
Despite enormous challenges, Laos has achieved remarkable results over 15 years. More than 800 square kilometres of land—equivalent to over a million football fields—have been cleared of explosive remnants. Today, these areas provide safe farmland, housing, and livelihoods for around three million people. Meanwhile, over 2,400 square kilometres of hazardous land have been mapped, forming a critical foundation for future clearance programmes.
The government’s commitment extends to the most remote villages: risk education has reached 3,700 communities, with particular focus on protecting children and improving everyday safety. The collaboration between the Lao government, NGOs, and international partners forms the backbone of this success story.
Laos makes clear that the fight against cluster munitions is a global responsibility. Every life matters, and sustained international support is essential to end the decades-long threat posed by unexploded ordnance.