hidden-danger-uncovering-the-uxo-problem-in-lao-pdr

Laos is currently experiencing significant economic growth and socio-economic development and the demand for land suitable for agriculture, industry and infrastructure is quickly rising. However, much of this land is unsafe due to the more than 80 million unexploded bombs scattered across the countryside following conflicts in the 1950s and 1970s. These unexploded ordnances (UXOs) pose a serious danger and continue to injure and kill civilians today, almost 40 years after the conflict ended. This article discusses ongoing efforts and challenges of trying to destroy these UXOs as this program is necessary to eradicate poverty and to ensure the safety of the Lao people.