VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): More than 60 Lao and international partners gathered in Vientiane on November 28 to discuss the Lausanne Action Plan, in preparation for Laos to lead the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, scheduled forSeptember next year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Department of International Organisations and in partnership with the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector (NRA), convened the meeting, titled “Consultation on the Implementation of the Lausanne Action Plan and Way Forward in 2026”.
The event was chaired by the Director General of the ministry’s Department of International Organisations and Head of the NRA Board Secretariat, Ms Moukdavanh Sisoulith, and was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, UN agencies, members of other development partners and international organisations, and UXO sector implementing partners.
The meeting reviewed the progress made under the Lausanne Action Plan and ongoing challenges, and identified lessons learned in advancing obligations under the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Participants also discussed ways to improvecoordination among line ministries and implementing partners, with the aim of strengthening national understanding of Convention on Cluster Munitions commitments and outlining priorities for the year ahead.
Presentations highlighted Laos’ leadership role in the global UXO sector, provided updates on the status of Lausanne Action Plan implementation, and identified areas requiring sustained attention.
Delegates exchanged views on the responsibilities and expectations of partners during the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The meeting also explored the development of a resource mobilisation mechanism to support the UXO sector and reviewed the overall work plan and anticipated outcomes of Laos’ presidency of the 3rd Review Conference in 2026.
Discussions also touched on early considerationsfor the next action plan (2027-2031), underscoring the importance of sustained international cooperation and long-term strategic planning.
Last week’s meeting reaffirmed Laos commitment to strengthening implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions and advancing humanitarian and development priorities linked to UXO clearance and victim assistance.
According to the NRA, so far this year there have been 11 UXO-related accidents in Laos, in which 16 people were injured and five people died.
A group of boys who recently sustained serious injuries join the thousands of Lao citizens who have been harmed by the legacy of war, over 40 percent of whom are children.
The BLU-26 involved in that particular incident is one of the more than 270 million cluster submunitions dropped on Laos between 1964 and 1973.
An estimated 30 percent, around 80 million, failed to detonate and remain scattered across the country, rendering vast areas hazardous for agriculture, daily activities, and community development. - Vientiane Times/ANN
