Programs and Events

U.S. Government Provides Funds for UXO Clearance in Laos

MAG Country Director Joanne Durham signs MOU with NRA Director Dr. Maligna Saignavongs while Embassy officer Phil Nervig and Lao officials look on.

The U.S. Embassy in Laos is pleased to announce a total of $2 million has been awarded to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) by the U.S. Government for clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in support of rural development and food security projects.

The MAG projects were officially approved in a signing ceremony with the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) on October 13.

The United States is the largest donor to unexploded ordnance activities in Laos, having contributed more than $25 million since 1998, and is committed to working with the Lao Government, international NGOs, and the donor community to improve Laos’ technical capacity to clear land contaminated with UXO.

In 2006, the United States will contribute more than $5 million to UXO activities in Laos, including programs to improve survey and clearance techniques nationwide, which will improve the rate of land being cleared and released for use in farming and development; programs to provide food security to at risk communities in southern Laos; and assistance to victims of UXO accidents.

In 2006, the United States will contribute more than $5 million to UXO activities in Laos, including programs to improve survey and clearance techniques nationwide, which will improve the rate of land being cleared and released for use in farming and development; programs to provide food security to at risk communities in southern Laos; and assistance to victims of UXO accidents. 

The United States provides grants to UXO Lao, independent NGOs such as the Mines Advisory Group, and the new Lao National Regulatory Authority for UXO activities in Laos.
|Oct. 13, 2006|