VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Laos is increasing efforts to involve young people in tackling unexploded ordnance (UXO), placing youth at the center of awareness and long-term risk reduction.
A ceremony on 1 April in Vientiane marked the International Day for Mine Awareness, bringing together officials, development partners, and students from five secondary schools.
The event highlighted a growing push to engage the next generation in addressing UXO challenges.
Students took part in supervised demonstrations of survey and clearance work, alongside sessions on UXO history, international conventions, and ongoing risk education efforts.
Officials said early engagement helps build awareness and safer communities.
The event also launched a nationwide art campaign, inviting participants aged 9 to 35 to reflect on Laos’ UXO legacy. Submissions are open until 19 July, with scholarships worth LAK 10 million (USD 455) awarded to winners.
Laos will also host the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions from 13 to 18 September in Vientiane, reinforcing its role in global mine action efforts.
Laos remains one of the most heavily affected countries by UXO, a legacy of heavy bombing during the Indochina War from 1964 to 1973.
Millions of tonnes of bombs were dropped, and many failed to explode, leaving dangerous remnants scattered across rural areas. Today, UXO continues to pose risks to communities, especially in farming areas where people rely on land for their livelihoods.
The United Nations designated 4 April as the International Day for Mine Awareness in 2005 to highlight these dangers and encourage global support for clearance efforts.
In Laos, the issue remains closely linked to development, as clearing contaminated land allows safer farming, infrastructure, and long-term economic growth. -- Laotian Times
