The clearance of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) is the restoration of the right to live in safety and the reclamation of development opportunities for the multi-ethnic Lao people.

The Government of the Lao PDR has officially designated the resolution of the UXO issue—a lingering legacy of past conflict—as a National Priority.

In a recent press interview on February 11, 2026, Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao PDR, spoke on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (Feb 13, 1996 –2026).

He highlighted the historical burden of UXO in Laos and the critical necessity behind the establishment of the national clearance program.

A Heavy Historical Burden

President Thongloun reflected on the grim statistics of the Second Indochina War (1964–1973). Over a nine-year period, more than 580,000 bombing missions were carried out (averaging one flight in every 8 minutes). Over 2 million tonnes of ordnance were dropped on Lao soil. This included approximately 270 million cluster submunitions, commonly known as "bombies".

These figures make the Lao PDR the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita. The bombardment destroyed almost all infrastructure and stunted the nation's growth, serving as a primary factor in Laos’ status as a Least Developed Country.

The Current Danger

Even decades after the war, an estimated 30% of cluster munitions (approx. 80 million units) failed to detonate upon impact. These remaining "hidden killers" continue to claim lives and hinder progress:

 * 2025 Statistics: 15 accidents resulted in 25 victims (19 injured, 6 deceased).

 * 2026 (To Date): 2 accidents have occurred, resulting in 7 victims (no fatalities reported).

Beyond the human cost, UXO remains a significant barrier to infrastructure projects and socio-economic development across the country.

A Vision for a Safe Future

UXO Lao was established under Prime Ministerial Decree No. 49 on February 13, 1996, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF, and various international development partners.

Operating under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, it serves as the primary humanitarian body for clearance operations.

Looking forward, the Lao government vowed to strengthen cooperation with international friends and organizations to modernize the UXO sector. The goal remains clear: to upgrade operations to international standards and ensure that Lao soil is finally and truly safe for its people.

KPL