Progress in Mine Clearance Efforts in Laos: A Path to Safety and Development
Laos, recognized as the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, continues to make significant strides in clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) from its landscape. Recent initiatives, bolstered by international support, have enhanced civilian safety and paved the way for socio-economic development.
Fear of the unkown
Ms. Vongvilay, a 39-year-old manager at the local primary school, shares her home with her husband and two sons, Dodo (6) and Kham (4). The family possesses a small plot of land where they cultivate vegetables and bananas for their own consumption.
Before NPA conducted a survey of the area in 2018, Ms. Vongvilay was unaware that her land was contaminated with UXO. Although she had heard stories about accidents in other villages, she and her family had never come across any unexploded ordnances themselves.
"After learning about the high level of contamination in this area, I became very afraid. If you would ask me to rate my fear on a scale from 1 to 10, I would give it a 10. We didn’t know anything about explosives. We only knew that we have to stay away from them because they can explode. But we didn’t know how to deal with them safely.”
Ms. Vongvilay was particularly concerned about the safety of her children.
Whenever my children are out of my sight and I can't see what they are doing, I worry that they might come into contact with a undetonated explosives.
Despite their fears, the family could not stop farming their land, as they relied on it for their food security. They did become more cautious, taking extra care when digging and plowing.
Collective commitment saves lives
In 2023, clearance operations in Laos saw a notable increase compared to the previous year. This progress is largely attributed to a strategic shift towards intensified clearance efforts initiated in 2021. The United States has played a pivotal role by increasing funding to enhance clearance capacity, focusing on confirmed hazardous areas identified through the ongoing Cluster Munition Remnants Survey. Additionally, U.S. support has facilitated the correction of historical data and improved the quality of information in the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA).
In July 2023, the governments of the United States and Norway reaffirmed their long-term commitment to supporting UXO clearance in Laos. They collectively committed over USD 20.8 million to Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) to bolster survey and clearance operations in the southern provinces of Attapeu, Champasak, Saravane, and Sekong. This funding aims to clear over 22.9 square kilometers of high-priority contaminated areas and destroy more than 35,300 UXO items across 108 villages in 22 districts. Nearly 30,000 residents are expected to directly benefit from these activities.
We are beyond happy that NPA is assisting us with this meaningful activity. We would not have the capability to clear the land ourselves.
A few days ago, NPA began clearance operations on the family’s land. Ms. Vongvilay appreciates the regular updates about UXO items found and is grateful for the team’s hard work and dedication:
Today, a small portion of the vegetable garden beside their house was successfully cleared and released back to the family. The children play with the demarcation sticks left behind in the ground. While the clearance efforts on the remaining land behind the house are still ongoing, Ms. Vongvilay knows that in just a matter of days, the entire community will be free from the threat of UXO explosions, bringing her a sense of relief and peace of mind.
Impact on Civilians and Economic Development
The clearance of landmines and explosives has a profound impact on civilian safety and economic development. By removing these hazards, civilians gain safe access to homes, agricultural fields, medical facilities, schools, and other critical infrastructure. This access is essential for post-conflict recovery and daily life.
Moreover, mine clearance lays the foundation for economic development. Cleared areas can be utilized to rebuild infrastructure such as roads and markets, facilitating safer resettlement and attracting investments. This influx of economic activity creates jobs and fosters increased prosperity in previously hazardous regions.
The ongoing mine clearance efforts in Laos, supported by international partners like the United States and Norway, are crucial steps toward ensuring civilian safety and fostering economic development. As contaminated areas are cleared and communities are educated about UXO risks, Laos moves closer to a future free from the shadows of its wartime past.