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Laos’ hard work reduces number of UXO victims

Great efforts made by the Lao Government together with international support have helped reduced the number of victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the country to just 56 last year from the previous 300 each year.
Great efforts made by the Lao Government together with internationalsupport have helped reduced the number of victims of unexploded ordnance(UXO) in the country to just 56 last year from the previous 300 eachyear.

The positive result was reported at aceremony in Vientiane on August 1 to mark the 4th anniversary of theConvention on Cluster Munitions taking effect.

Chairman of the Lao National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine ActionSector and Minister to the Government Office Bounheuang Douangphachanhalso revealed that during 10 months from September 2013 to June thisyear, relevant forces in the country removed more than 72,000 items ofUXO, including nearly 44,000 cluster bombs.

He emphasized that however, more than 87,000 sq.km of land in Laos are still contaminated by UXO.

Laos hopes that international donors and organisations will continueto help the country in its efforts to complete the National UXOProgramme to fulfil its obligation to the Convention on ClusterMunitions and ensure a safe life for its people, the official said atthe ceremony.-VNA
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