Lao People’s Democratic Republic

In 2024, Lao PDR increased clearance output as well as the extent of area identified through technical survey (TS), largely due to expanded capacity and funding. National ownership was strengthened by the chairing of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) moving to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), along with further progress on the quality of information management and the revision of national mine action standards (NMAS). However, challenges remain in improving efficiency in land release and securing long-term donor funding for a programme that remains decades from completion.

• The NRA should finalise a national planning and prioritisation system to support survey and clearance of cluster munition remnants (CMR).
• Lao PDR should further improve processes for the issuing, amending, or renewal of memoranda of understanding (MoUs). Lao PDR should also consider permitting longer-term MoUs to help attract more investment into the sector.
• The NRA should finalise its review of NMAS to ensure best practices are applied.
• The NRA should continue efforts to ensure the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) database is accurate and up to date. Historical operational data not already in the database should be available to operators engaged in survey and clearance.
• The NRA should work with operators to explore improvements to the process for releasing cluster munition- contaminated area through survey that maintain safety while improving efficiency.
• The NRA should work with relevant ministries to establish clear, streamlined procedures enabling the safe and authorised use of drones for survey, clearance, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) to improve operational efficiency.
• The NRA should develop a long-term EOD response strategy, including planning for a national emergency response and residual risk management capacity, amid likely future funding constraints.

Click here to download the full "Clearing Cluster Munition Remnants 2025" report for Lao PDR.