Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Anoupharb Vongnorkeo.

Laos urges stronger action on cluster munitions

The government has called for enhanced global cooperation to tackle the issue of unexploded bombs and protect rural communities, as Laos marks 15 years as a state party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The call was made by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Anouparb Vongnorkeo when leading a Lao delegation attending the 13th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Geneva, which is taking place from September 16-19, the Lao Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva reported.
Mr Anouparb stressed the need for stronger global cooperation and more resources to save lives, and reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to fulfilling the aims of the Convention and Sustainable Development Goal 18.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Convention, which bans the use, production and stockpiling of cluster munitions. Mr Anouparb said it was both a milestone for progress and a reminder of the need to renew commitments.
On the same day, Laos and Ireland co-hosted a side event titled “A Fifteen-Year Journey: Lao PDR’s Story Under the Convention on Cluster Munitions”. The event reviewed the progress made, ongoing challenges, and steps to take in the future.
Ambassador Noel White of Ireland, Ambassador Carlos Sorreta of the Philippines who is President of the 13th Meeting, and Ambassador Tormod Endresen of Norway were among the keynote speakers.
Laos’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ambassador Daovy Vongxay, presented a special report outlining Laos’ journey over the past 15 years, its achievements, and lessons learned in addressing the impact of unexploded ordnance.
The Director of the Convention’s Implementation Support Unit also spoke about global progress, highlighting achievements, challenges, and the way forward.
A representative of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining underlined the importance of explosive ordnance risk education and highlighted the role of the first country coordinator appointed in Laos.
Laos continues to face severe challenges on the ground. According to the first UXO/Mine Action Sector Working Group meeting held in Vientiane in July, in the first six months of 2025, clearance teams removed 35,446 unexploded devices across 14 provinces, including more than 16,000 cluster munitions.
Teams surveyed 9,413 hectares of land, confirmed 6,984 hectares as hazardous, and cleared 2,717 hectares, opening up land for farming, infrastructure development, and improved livelihoods.
Risk education reached 181,531 people in 11 provinces, and 172,109 UXO accident survivors received assistance to help rebuild their lives.
Despite these efforts, seven UXO-related accidents occurred from January to June this year, resulting in 12 casualties, including four fatalities. Children made up 67 percent of the victims, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen safety awareness and clearance in high-risk areas.
According to the United Nations Development Programme in Laos, the country has made significant progress over the past 15 years under the Convention on Cluster Munitions. More than 800 square kilometres of land have been cleared across 16 provinces and Vientiane, giving over 3 million people safer access to farmland, housing, and livelihoods.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update September 19, 2025)