UN Secretary-General Guterres Visits Laos, Highlights Ongoing UXO Crisis
Guterres reaffirms UN commitment to supporting Laos in UXO clearance and sustainable development efforts.
During his first official visit to Laos, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visited the UN House in Vientiane, where he received a briefing on the enduring threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Indochina War. Hosted by UN Resident Coordinator Bakhodir Burkhanov, Guterres observed an exhibition showcasing personal stories of UXO victims, including the tragic experience of a monk who lost his son and leg to a UXO accident.
Over 20,000 people in Laos have been killed or disabled by UXO accidents since the war ended, with 2024 seeing an increase in casualties, including many children. Guterres reaffirmed the UN's commitment to clearing contaminated land, noting that UXO clearance is critical to Laos' development. The UNDP has partnered with Laos for nearly three decades, clearing nearly two million UXO from 918 square kilometers of land. The Secretary-General emphasized that international cooperation is vital in helping Laos overcome this deadly legacy and achieve its development goals.
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Over 20,000 people in Laos have been killed or disabled by UXO accidents since the war ended, with 2024 seeing an increase in casualties, including many children. Guterres reaffirmed the UN's commitment to clearing contaminated land, noting that UXO clearance is critical to Laos' development. The UNDP has partnered with Laos for nearly three decades, clearing nearly two million UXO from 918 square kilometers of land. The Secretary-General emphasized that international cooperation is vital in helping Laos overcome this deadly legacy and achieve its development goals.
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