UXO Lao organized a ceremony in Vientiane Capital to mark the 30th anniversary of its establishment (February 1996 – February 2026) on February 13, 2026. The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Mr. Phongxaysack Inthalath, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, along with representatives from relevant ministries, development partner countries, embassies, international organizations and UXO Lao staff from the headquarters and nine provincial offices.

The journey of UXO Lao began on 13 February 1996, undertaking its vital humanitarian mission to support the Lao people in reducing accidents and casualties caused by unexploded ordnance (UXO). The organization has also carried out survey and clearance operations to release land for safe use in agriculture, housing, infrastructure development, and other development activities, thereby contributing to local socio-economic progress as well as the overall development of the Lao PDR and promoting steady national growth.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, UXO Lao has operated in the nine most heavily UXO-affected provinces of the Lao PDR, including Luang Prabang, Houaphanh, Xiengkhouang, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan, Champasak, Sekong and Attapeu, with continuous support from development partners and various stakeholders through both multilateral and bilateral cooperation. This support has included financial assistance, equipment, infrastructure, expertise, and technical assistance.

During the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Phongxaysack Inthalath stated in part:

“The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, as well as with the Government of the Lao PDR, would like to express deep appreciation to the staff of UXO Lao who have devoted themselves to carrying out this high-risk and dangerous work with courage, patience, and self-sacrifice. Applying all their knowledge and technical skills to help ensure that the Lao people of all ethnic groups are safe from unexploded ordnance. This mission will continue until UXO is completely cleared from land needed for use and development in the Lao PDR.”

Over the past 30 years of operation, UXO Lao has achieved the following key results:

#Delivered Explosive Ordnance Risk Education in 24,637 villages, reaching more than 4,450,000 people, of whom 49% were children.

#Surveyed and identified 62,358 hectares of confirmed hazardous areas contaminated with UXO.

#Cleared and released 57,062 hectares of land for safe use, benefiting more than 4,400,000 people.

#Destroyed more than 1,350,000 UXO items, of which 57% were cluster munitions (bombies), the most commonly found type of UXO remaining in the Lao PDR.

UXO Lao would like to express its sincere thanks and profound appreciation to all development partners, stakeholders, and government agencies that have continuously supported and assisted the organization. We remain committed to carrying out our mission with determination to progressively eliminate the remnants of war and contribute to building a safer future for the Lao PDR.