New victims of old wars
The Vietnam War and the Indochina conflicts hit Laos hard, and unexploded cluster munitions continue to threaten the life and health of a very poor population. According to official figures, 270 million cluster bombs were dropped over the country between 1964 and 1973. This is equivalent to an average of one bomb package every eight minutes, 24 hours a day. It is estimated that there are approximately 80 million unexploded bombs still left on the ground. Annually, around 300 people are injured or killed because of these remnants of war.
Clearance of cluster munitions
Norway co-operates with Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) on a clearance program of cluster munitions in Laos.
Ambassador Risa and Secretary General Petter Eide from NPA are ready to detonate accumulated cluster munitions. Photo: Norwegian People's AidThe agreement lasts for three years and has a budget of almost 50 million NOK. NPA has through this framework agreement intensified their efforts in Laos. On 11 November 2009 the official opening of the cluster munitions clearance program was in Sekong province, which is one of the most affected areas. Prior to the opening, NPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Regulatory Authorities in Vientiane.
A tremendous effort is needed in order to remove the terrible leftovers of many years of warfare. NPA cooperates in this work closely with the authorities in Laos, the UN and the national clearing organization UXO Lao. NPA also operates a clearance program in Saravan province, which is another hard-hit province.
During the opening of the clearing program in Sekong, the Ambassador of Norway, H.E. Mr. Ståle Risa praised the good cooperation between national authorities, the UN and NPA in the important work of making Lao PDR a safer place. He pointed to the importance of humanitarian disarmament in Norwegian foreign policy priorities, and promised that Norway will remain dedicated in providing assistance in the immense endeavours of making Lao PDR a safe country to live in.
Lao PDR and the Convention on Cluster Munitions
Lao PDR is actively involved with the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Laos was the first country, together with Norway, to ratify the Convention, and will
Ready for action - NPA has a total of 49 explosive clearers working in Sekong province. Photo: Zenia Chrysostomidis be hosting the first State Conference of the Parties in 2010. Norway is actively involved in the Lao PDR Support Group, which is supporting Lao PDR in the preparations for the meeting.
The Convention sets a ten-year time limit for clearance of cluster munitions. NPA’s work in some of the poorest provinces in Laos is essential in ensuring that this goal can be reached.