Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
VIENTIANE: Despite progress in clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO), Laos still faces challenges, with the threat hindering livelihoods and socio-economic development.
Speaking at an event marking the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing the UXO issue in Laos, calling for continued support to ensure safety and advance the country's development.
UXO-related accidents killed nine people and injured 40 others in 2024, despite the Lao government's efforts to remove UXO from farmland and residential areas.
All 18 provinces in Laos are reported to have UXO, with the heaviest contamination being found in northern Laos' Xieng Khuang province.
Keopaserd, a 20-year-old student, expressed deep concerns about the threat of UXO, particularly in high-risk areas.
"The danger UXO pose is a serious concern for people living in high-risk areas, especially farmers.
"They face significant challenges and must exercise extreme caution before using land for agriculture due to the risk of explosions.
"For children, UXO are especially harmful, as their curiosity often leads them to play in unsafe areas.
"It's crucial to educate them about the risks and ensure they have accurate information to stay safe," Keopaserd told Xinhua.
Vanida, a white-collar worker in the capital Vientiane, expressed concerns that UXO not only pose a threat to people's lives but also hinder economic growth.
She explained that farmers are unable to fully utilise their land, which limits agricultural productivity, a key sector of Laos' economy.
"In my opinion, UXO are creating significant challenges in improving infrastructure and developing tourism, as many areas remain unsafe," said Vanida.
She also called for increased international support and greater efforts from the Lao government and relevant sectors to clear UXO in the country.
She believed that these efforts will unlock Laos' full economic potential and ensure a safer future for everyone.
Since 2010, Laos has identified and cleared 2,367 square kilometers of hazardous land, destroying over 2 million pieces of unexploded ordnance.
The Lao government aims to clear 65,000 hectares of land by 2025 to boost agriculture, food security and economic development.
Laos is one of the most heavily bombed countries in the world in terms of per capita.
Throughout 1964-1973, over 2 million tons of ordnance were dropped on Laos, of which 30 percent failed to explode.
Over 270 million cluster munitions were dropped from US warplanes, leaving an estimated 80 million live bomblets scattered and buried around the Southeast Asian country. - Xinhua
