It is estimated that since the end of the Indochina war, more than 22,000 people have fallen victim to Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in Lao PDR, almost half of whom died. An estimated 46% of casualties were children. Already in 2024, there have been 6 UXO accidents, in which 10 persons were injured and 3 persons killed. Moreover, 8 out of these 13 casualties, 61%, were children.
To ensure that those clearing landmines meet national standards for safety and effectiveness, and can continue freeing communities from the threat of UXO, a quality management in mine clearance training course has been organized. The training is being hosted by the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for the UXO/ Mine Action Sector in Lao PDR, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and generous funding from the Government of Canada, at the NRA’s National Training Centrefrom 19-27 February, 2024.
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Source: United Nations Development Programme