UXO LAO: THE PROGRAMME
The Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) was established by Prime Minister’s Decree #49 dated 13 February 1996 with the support of UNDP, UNICEF, and other stakeholders.
UXO Lao is a project of National Execution and a department under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. The organisation is the responsibility of the UXO Lao National Program Director who directly reports to the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare.
The organisation works in nine of the most heavily UXO impacted provinces in the country.
UXO LAO: ORGANISATIONAL MANDATE:
Reduce the number of casualties caused by unexploded ordnance, and
Increase the amount of land available for food production and other socio-economic development activities.
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UXO LAO AND THE UXO NATIONAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY (NRA)
The National Regulatory Authority (NRA) was established in March 2004 along with the adoption of the National Strategic Plan for the UXO sector. NRA includes representatives of all line ministries concerned or affected by UXO/landmines, the national planning commission, and observers from the donor community. It is responsible for the coordination and regulation of the UXO/mine action sector in Lao PDR, including the planning, tasking and monitoring of all UXO/mine action activities in the country. All Operators take part in Technical Working Groups (TWGs) responsible for coordinating and planning all clearance, community awareness, and victim assistance activities. UXO Lao is considered the national clearance operator and provides data periodically to the NRA on its activities.
