Over 28,000 ha become UXO-free

By Phetsamone 

 (KPL) Over 28,000 ha of farmland has become UXO-free due to efforts by non-profit and commercial UXO clearance bodies.

More than 70 officials have discussed preparing the UXO action plan on implementing the UN Convention on Cluster Munitions over the next 10 years.

A meeting on the issue was held yesterday by the National Regulatory Authority for UXO\Mine Action Sector with the presence of Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Alounkeo Kittikhoun.

The UXO clearance is obligation of the Lao government to materialize the requirements of the UN Convention on Cluster Munitions which the Lao PDR is a state party. Thus, the Lao PDR inevitably requires foreign assistance and cooperation to clear unexplored bombs scattered nationwide.

 Laos is the most bombarded in the world and every year the UXO kills many Lao people, said Mr. Alounkeo.

One third of the national territory is contaminated with UXOs, including 276 million cluster bombs.
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