The Secretary-General observes an artistic bombshell recounting the story of Bounmy, a Buddhist monk who lost both his son and his leg when a UXO exploded as he was building his house. The exhibit highlights the ongoing struggle of communities trying to rebuild their lives while UXO remnants continue to pose a deadly threat.

(KPL)On his first official visit to the Lao PDR, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visited the UN House in Vientiane, where he was hosted by UN Resident Coordinator Bakhodir Burkhanov. During the visit, Guterres received a briefing on the ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, a legacy of the second Indochina War that continues to impact millions of lives across the country.

Since the war’s end, more than 20,000 people have been killed or permanently disabled due to UXO accidents, with 2024 seeing a rise in casualties. So far, 47 people have been killed or injured this year, with over 60% of the victims being children. Survivors of UXO-related accidents often require lifelong medical care, physical rehabilitation, and psychosocial support.

A key moment of the visit was Guterres' interaction with UNDP Resident Representative Martine Thérer at the "Stories from the Plateau" exhibition, an artistic display by Lao artist Bounpaul Photisan. The exhibition features a bombshell sculpture that tells personal stories from the Indochina War (1964-1973) and its long-lasting effects. Through Photisan’s art, the bombshell serves as a poignant reminder of the war's continued impact on Laos' people, wildlife, and environment.

For nearly 30 years, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Government of the Lao PDR to address UXO contamination. In collaboration with national authorities, UNDP has led efforts to clear 918 km² of contaminated land and remove nearly two million UXO. These efforts are supported by the National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action Sector (NRA) and the National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao).

Recognizing the importance of these efforts, the Government of the Lao PDR has adopted UXO clearance as the country's 18th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): Lives Safe from UXO. UXO contamination remains a major obstacle to Laos’ development aspirations, especially in rural areas where fertile land remains unused due to the danger of unexploded ordnance.

During his visit, Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting Laos in overcoming the challenges posed by UXOs. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in saving lives and fostering sustainable development, particularly for rural communities most affected by UXO contamination.

 “We must continue to work together— the Lao PDR and the global community—to rid the land of UXO. Only then can the people of this beautiful country build a future free from fear and fully realize their development potential,” said Secretary-General Guterres.

KPL