MDGs in Lao PDR: Cluster munitions and UXO
September 14, 2010
Lao PDR is the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. More bombs were dropped on the nation during the Indochina war (1964-1973) than on Germany and Japan combined during World War II.
Today unexploded ordnance (UXO) accidents still injure and kill around 300 people a year. In addition to the tragic human costs, UXO presence also hinders development. Rich agricultural land is unusable and substantial additional resources are required to clear land before development such as road building, tourism and school construction can take place. The strong correlation between poverty and UXO presence across the country is clear, with 41 out of the 46 poorest districts contaminated by UXO. Its presence is now an impediment to the nation’s efforts to achieve the MDGs.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDD1RnX8z9A[/youtube]
