UXO LAO

THE UXO PROBLEM: VICTIMS

Around 12,000 UXO-related accidents occurred since 1973. Data gathered by UXO Lao in areas where it operates in from 1999 to present, show 934 casualties, divided into 655 injuries and 279 deaths. Data indicate more than 50% of the victims are children and more than 81% are male. Bombies are the most common cause of accidents. Please note that UXO Lao only receives reports of UXO accidents in areas it operates in. Actual UXO accidents nationwide may be more than this.

A study in 2006 conducted by UNICEF on UXO Risk Education Needs Assessment shows that there is a high level of awareness and understanding among both adults and children and the risks associated with coming into contact with UXO. Nevertheless, despite these known risks, many people, on an almost daily basis, continue to interact with live or potentially live ordnance. These interactions can be categorized as voluntary and deliberate (e.g. moving UXO from agricultural land or scrap metal collection) or involuntary and unintentional (e.g. sub-surface UXO while farming.) The assessment demonstrated that decisions on behaviour towards UXO are made within a complex and interlocking milieu of economic, social, political, and cultural factors.

Places where accidents usually occur:

Village centres (32%) Upland rice fields (18%) Lowland rice fields (13%) Near forests (12%) Paths and roads (7%)

Usual activities causing UXO-related accidents:

1. Handling of UXO (24%)


2. Farming (22%)


3. Forest products collection (14%)


4. Lighting fires/cooking and Other domestic activities (12%)


5. Playing with UXO (11%).