On 11 November 2025, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chairman of the National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action Sector in Lao PDR, Mr. Anouphab Vongnorkeo, and his delegation visited and monitor the implementation of UXO Lao field operations in Pakxong District, Champasak Province.

This visit aimed to oversight and assess progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 18 (SDG 18) – Lives Safe from UXO, for which Laos is a committed partner in implementing the Convention on Cluster Munitions, especially in enforcing the prohibition on the use of cluster munitions.

Champasak Province is among the most heavily UXO-impacted provinces from the Second Indochina War. These remnants continue to threaten local communities and hinder socio-economic development. Currently, UXO Lao receives support from the Government of Japan through JICS to carry out explosive ordnance risk education, survey and clearance activities in three southern provinces-Salavan, Champasak and Sekong.