VIENTIANE: Laos has called for measurable action to address cluster munitions and their humanitarian impact as the country hosts the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which opened on Monday (Sept 14) in Vientiane.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone issued the appeal at the five-day meeting, which is drawing more than 800 participants to set priorities for the next five years.
A new five-year action plan is expected to guide unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance and victim assistance efforts.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Progress Towards a World Free from the Threat of Cluster Munitions”, the conference takes place from September 14-18 and will review progress made over the past five years before setting new priorities for global efforts to eliminate the threat of cluster munitions. In his opening remarks, Prime
Minister Sonexay called for stronger international cooperation to turn commitments under the Convention into practical results.
“This conference represents a critical milestone in turning political commitments into concrete, measurable actions,” he said.
Progress under the Convention should be measured by the expanding area of safe land returned to communities, the quality of life and support provided to victims and their families, the permanent destruction of stockpiles, fewer casualties, and sustained and predictable international assistance, he added.
These priorities will guide discussions at the conference as countries seek to turn their commitments into practical action for affected communities.
The conference will also consider and adopt the Vientiane Capital Action Plan on the Implementation of the CCM 2027-2031, which will guide international efforts over the next five years.
The plan will focus on three main areas: faster and safer UXO survey, clearance and risk education; comprehensive and sustainable support for victims; and stronger and more predictable international cooperation and assistance.
The Prime Minister said sustained political will, adequate financial and technical resources, strong partnerships, and the active involvement of victims and affected communities are required to achieve these priorities.
For Laos, the issue remains closely linked to the safety and livelihoods of its people. More than five decades after the end of the Indochina War, millions of UXO items remain scattered across the country.
“More than five decades since the end of the Indochina War, millions of unexploded ordnance items remain scattered across the territory of Laos and continue to pose a persistent threat to the daily lives of our people and a major barrier to our national socio-economic development,” Dr Sonexay said.
Laos’ experience shows how the use of deadly weapons can affect people long after a conflict has ended, he added.
He called on States Parties, signatory and observer states, international organisations and other partners to strengthen cooperation so that no country has to face the long-term burden of UXO alone.
He said Laos has incorporated its international commitments into its national development framework, including through Sustainable Development Goal 18, “Lives Safe from UXO”, which the country has established.
The goal links UXO clearance with poverty reduction and sustainable development, reflecting the importance of returning contaminated land to communities so it can be safely used to build houses and for farming and other economic activities.
Dr Sonexay acknowledged the contribution of UXO clearance groups, development partners, international organisations, civil society groups and affected communities in addressing the UXO problem.
The conference has special significance for Laos as it marks a return to Vientiane 16 years after the country hosted the First Meeting of States Parties to the Convention in 2010.
This reflects the continued role of Laos in international efforts to address the humanitarian impact of cluster munitions and other forms of unexploded ordnance.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions was adopted in Dublin, Ireland, in 2008 and entered into force in 2010. It currently has 124 States Parties and signatories.
The Third Review Conference will examine progress made under the Convention and set the direction for the next stage of international action, with side events and an exhibition also taking place during the five-day meeting. - Vientiane Times/ANN
