UXO Lao was honoured to officially receive its new Provincial Office in Sekong Province during a handover ceremony held on 10 July 2026. The new office was generously funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS), reaffirming Japan’s longstanding commitment to supporting humanitarian UXO/mine action and sustainable development in the Lao PDR.
The ceremony was co-presided over by H.E. Mr. Phongxaysack Inthalath, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, representing the Government of the Lao PDR, and Mr. Tasaka Takuro, Minister to the Embassy of Japan in the Lao PDR, representing the Government of Japan. The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, relevant provincial departments, the Embassy of Japan in the Lao PDR, Japan International Cooperation System (JICS), UXO Lao Headquarters and UXO Lao Sekong Provincial Office.
The Government of Japan has provided assistance amounting to JPY 2,413,000,000 (approximately USD 17 million) to support UXO Lao’s operations during the 2024–2027 period. This assistance finances the procurement of vehicles, equipment and operational costs to strengthen UXO Lao’s capacity to address the legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Lao PDR. The construction of the new UXO Lao Provincial Office building and other essential facilities in Sekong Province forms part of this ongoing support, with a total allocation of more than USD 277,000. Located within the same compound as the UXO Lao staff accommodation previously supported by the Government of Japan, the new office complements Japan’s earlier assistance to improve staff living conditions while further strengthening UXO Lao’s operational capacity.
The new provincial office will enable UXO Lao staff to perform their duties more effectively and efficiently as they continue working to eliminate the threat of unexploded ordnance. Their dedicated efforts help protect lives, release safe land for agriculture and development, improve livelihoods, promote socio-economic development, and contribute to poverty reduction in UXO-affected communities in the Lao PDR.
During the ceremony, Mr. Tasaka Takuro delivered his remarks, stating that “Japan has been providing the continued assistance to UXO sector in Laos including ongoing grant assistance projects and hope that the efforts of all stakeholders will be made to ensure the smooth implementation of these projects and the effective use of the facilities and equipment for UXO clearance operations.”, and Noting that “2026 marks an important milestone for the UXO sector in Laos with the 30th anniversary of UXO Lao and the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which will take place in Vientiane on September chaired by Laos. With this, Japan welcomed the leadership of Laos in advancing international cooperation on UXO issues.” He continued.
Following this, H.E. Mr. Phongxaysack Inthalath delivered his remarks, stating in part: “For decades, Japan has been one of the Lao PDR’s most steadfast development partners in addressing the legacy of unexploded ordnance. On behalf of the Government of the Lao PDR and the authorities and people of Sekong Province, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Government and the People of Japan for their generous assistance and continued partnership. This valuable support reflects the strong friendship and close cooperation between our two countries and makes an important contribution to advancing humanitarian UXO/mine action, promoting sustainable socio-economic development, and improving the well-being of the Lao people.”
On this occasion, UXO Lao extends its deepest gratitude to the Government and the People of Japan for their unwavering partnership, generous assistance, and continued cooperation in supporting humanitarian efforts to address UXO contamination in the Lao PDR. Together, we remain committed to achieving a future where the people of the Lao PDR can live safely, utilize their land productively, and pursue sustainable socio-economic development free from the threat of unexploded ordnance.
UXO Lao looks forward to further strengthening its partnership with the Government of Japan and sincerely hopes that this valued cooperation will continue in the years ahead.
