TURNING PAIN INTO POWER: A PATH FORWARD FOR UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE SURVIVORS IN LAO PDR
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
26
Feb
ARMAC Hosts National Consultative Workshop on Victim Assistance for UXO Survivors with Regional & International Stakeholders
VIENTIANE, Lao PDR — February 21, 2025
The legacy of war does not fade when the fighting stops. In Lao PDR, where unexploded ordnance (UXO) still scars the land and its people, primarily a result of the Indochina Wars (1964–1973). Over two million tons of ordnance, including 270 million cluster munitions were dropped on Lao PDR, making it the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. This workshop was a crucial step toward changing that.
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), in partnership with the National Regulatory Authority (NRA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR and key stakeholders, hosted a National Consultative Workshop on Victim Assistance—a pivotal gathering to assess the feasibility of expanded physical rehabilitation and mental health support for those affected by explosive ordnance. The event, held at the Lao Plaza Hotel, brought together government officials, local and international NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and medical experts committed to improving the lives of UXO survivors and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The event was supported by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) as part of the “Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in the ASEAN Member States” project.
According to the NRA’s operational report, more than 1,200 lives have been lost to UXO in Lao PDR since 1996. Those who survive often face lifelong injuries, limited access to medical care, and profound psychological trauma. The workshop provided a critical forum to discuss solutions, ensuring that victims receive the rehabilitation, prosthetics, psychosocial support, and economic opportunities needed to reclaim their lives.
“Every survivor has a right to heal, to thrive, and to contribute to their community,” said Ms. Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, in her opening remarks. “Our work is about more than treatment—it is about restoring dignity, independence, and hope. We turn pain into power, and research into real change.”
A Regional Effort with Global Support
The workshop was attended by key figures in the humanitarian and diplomatic community, including Mr. Lee Dongkyu, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to Lao PDR, and Mr. Bounpheng Sisawath, Director General of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA). Both reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to addressing the ongoing humanitarian impact of UXO contamination.
The “Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in ASEAN Member States” project is a regional effort that includes studies conducted in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. The Lao PDR study is the fourth in the series, with Viet Nam as the next in line. These studies are not merely academic—they are designed to shape actionable policies, guiding governments and NGOs in delivering targeted interventions that address survivors’ most pressing needs.
The ROK, through the AKCF, has provided vital financial support, reinforcing its role as a dedicated partner in ASEAN’s mine action efforts. The project also benefits from SingHealth and Yonsei University’s technical expertise which has further strengthened the initiative, ensuring that research translates into real, on-the-ground impact.
Beyond Statistics: The Human Cost of UXO
The workshop was not just a forum for policy discussions—it was a space for survivors’ voices to be heard. Interactive sessions and expert presentations highlighted the urgent need for community-based mental health services, which remain scarce in many parts of Lao PDR. The psychological toll of UXO accidents—anxiety, PTSD, and social stigma—can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, yet mental health support is often overlooked in victim assistance programs.
One clear takeaway from the discussions: rehabilitation cannot be treated as an afterthought. Access to prosthetics, vocational training, and inclusive education must be part of a long-term, sustainable strategy to empower survivors, allowing them to reintegrate fully into society.
A Commitment to No One Left Behind
The challenge ahead is significant, but the message from the workshop was clear—progress is possible through sustained collaboration.
ARMAC and its partners are committed to ensuring that no UXO survivor is left behind, advocating for a comprehensive, rights-based approach to victim assistance that encompasses medical care, psychological support, and socioeconomic inclusion.
About ARMAC:
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) is a regional center of excellence established under the ASEAN framework to support Member States in addressing the humanitarian and developmental impacts of explosive ordnance. ARMAC fosters regional cooperation, builds technical capacities, and provides expertise to ensure that all affected communities are equipped to recover from the effects of war and move forward in peace and security.
For press inquiries, please contact:
ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center
#29, Street 115, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh 120307, Cambodia
Tel: (+855) 23 221 354 / (+855) 23 221 364
Email: secretariat@aseanmineaction.org
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