Luang Prabang UXO clearance sites visited by international delegation

More than 270 delegates from over 120 countries and international organizations visited an unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance site in Ban Phik Yai, Luang Prabang, on September 13, 2026. The visit preceded the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, hosted by Lao PDR from September 14-18.

Luang Prabang remains heavily affected by ordnance from past conflicts. Since 2016, technical surveys have covered 423 hectares, identifying 347.2 hectares as confirmed hazardous areas. To date, clearance operations have addressed 119.73 hectares, including agricultural and development land. During these efforts, officials reported the destruction of 3,461 items, including two large bombs, 2,775 cluster munitions, and 684 other pieces of ordnance.

Successful clearance in Ban Phik Yai is expected to allow local agricultural communities to transition from subsistence farming to commercial production by expanding rice, vegetable, and fruit cultivation, as well as livestock raising.