Mr. Chair,
My delegation congratulates you and the Bureau on your election to the Fourth Committee for the 80th Session of the General Assembly and assures you of the Lao PDR’s full support.
Mr. Chair,
The Lao PDR remains one of the countries most affected by explosive remnants of war, particularly cluster munitions. Over 80 million submunitions still contaminate one-third of our land, continuing to endanger rural communities and hinder development.
In 2024, 26 UXO accidents occurred and caused 49 casualties, including 9 fatalities and 60% of the victims were children. Since January 2025, eight new accidents have occurred, leaving 14 victims, 5 fatalities and 9 injures. Children still make up two-thirds of the casualties. Without safety, our people cannot realize their full development potential.
Mr. Chair,
Having suffered deeply from cluster munitions, the Lao PDR understands their devastating impact. We share the global aspiration for a world free of explosive remnants of war and stress the importance of universalizing and effectively implementing key instruments, especially the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM).
The Lao PDR values the CCM and remains steadfast in its commitments. We call upon all States that have not yet done so to accede to the Convention and work toward a world free of cluster munitions.
Mr. Chair,
For five decades, UXO has endangered lives and delayed development. The Safe Path Forward III (2021–2030) strategy aligns with the CCM and the Lausanne Action Plan, linking UXO action with SDG 18: Lives Safe from UXO. With international and civil society support, we continue clearance, education, and survivor assistance.
In 2025–2026, the Lao PDR serves as Country Coordinator for Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and will preside over the Third Review Conference of the CCM in Vientiane in 2026. This will be our second time hosting such meeting since 2010. We aim to strengthen cooperation and assess progress toward a safer and mine-free world.
In conclusion, the Lao PDR remains committed to working with all partners to make people’s lives safe, support well-being, and advance the 2030 Agenda. Only through global solidarity can we overcome the legacy of war.
Thank you.
