Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, August 26, 2026 – The National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action Sector (NRA), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) launched projects to continue humanitarian mine action activities in Khammouane Province with support from the United Kingdom Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Government of Norway, and Restoration Laos, a United States-based non-profit organization.
This will enable MAG to continue working with national and provincial authorities in Khammouane Province to address the impacts of unexploded ordnance through technical survey, clearance, and risk education activities supported by international partners.
Despite significant progress over recent decades, contamination from explosive remnants of war continues to affect communities in Khammouane Province, limiting access to land and posing risks to people’s safety and livelihoods. Through the support of the United Kingdom Government, the Government of Norway, and Restoration Laos, MAG will work with national and provincial authorities to help communities safely use land for agriculture, infrastructure, education, and other development purposes.
Over the course of the project, MAG will conduct technical survey and clearance activities in priority areas across Khammouane Province, respond to community reports of explosive ordnance, and provide explosive ordnance risk education to people living in affected communities.
Mr. Bounpheng Sisawath, Director General of the National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action Sector, said:
“The Government of Lao PDR highly appreciates the continued support provided by the United Kingdom Government, the Government of Norway, and Restoration Laos for humanitarian mine action in Khammouane Province. This support will enable the continued survey and clearance of contaminated land, reduce risks to affected communities, and create opportunities for socio-economic development. The work carried out by MAG contributes directly to national priorities and helps ensure that communities can safely access and use land for productive purposes.”
Eli Mechanic, MAG Country Director in Lao PDR, said:
“The support of the United Kingdom Government, the Government of Norway, and Restoration Laos enables us to continue addressing the impact of unexploded ordnance in some of the most affected communities in Khammouane Province. Through close collaboration with the Government of Laos and local authorities, we will help families safely access land, improve livelihoods, and reduce the risks posed by explosive remnants of war. Together, we are contributing to safer communities and supporting Laos’ long-term development goals.”
MAG has more than 30 years of experience supporting communities affected by unexploded ordnance in Lao PDR. Since 1994, MAG has surveyed more than 1.4 billion square meters of land, cleared more than 160 million square meters, safely removed and destroyed more than 350,000 items of unexploded ordnance, and directly benefited more than 1.3 million people across the country.
The United Kingdom Government, the Government of Norway, and Restoration Laos have been important partners in supporting humanitarian mine action in Laos. Their support helps communities safely access land, reduce risks, and expand opportunities for social and economic development. MAG remains committed to working alongside the Government of Laos and local communities to address the remaining impacts of unexploded ordnance and support a safer future for all.
For further information, please contact:
Isabelle Urumath, Grants and Communications Manager
Email: Isabelle.urumath@maginternational.org
Website: www.maginternational.org/laos
