Lao PDR marks 16 years of the Cluster Munition Convention ahead of global Review Conference
Sixteen years after the Convention on Cluster Munitions entered into force, Lao PDR is preparing to bring the international community together in Vientiane for a major meeting on the future of the Convention.
The anniversary was marked in Vientiane on 11 August at an event organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector (NRA). Around 200 participants attended, including ambassadors, government representatives, international organisations, development partners and students.
For Lao PDR, the Convention has particular significance. Cluster munition remnants continue to affect communities and pose an obstacle to livelihoods and socio-economic development.
Speaking at the anniversary event, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Standing Chairman of the NRA Anouphab Vongnorkeo highlighted the importance of the Convention and its implementation, as well as the continued impact of cluster munitions on the people of Lao PDR.
The anniversary also provided an opportunity to look ahead.
The NRA announced the winners of a student drawing competition under the theme “Messages to the Past and Future”. The winning artworks were displayed as part of the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC-CCM), held in Vientiane from 14 - 18 September.
The conference brought States Parties and other stakeholders together to review progress under the Convention and set the direction for its implementation in the years ahead. It marked the second time Lao PDR has held the Presidency of a Review Conference of the Convention.
As a country deeply affected by the legacy of cluster munitions, Lao PDR brings both direct experience and longstanding commitment to its leadership of the Convention.
Supporting the Lao Presidency
Norwegian People’s Aid is providing technical assistance to support Lao PDR in its preparations for the Third Review Conference, with funding from the Government of Canada.
NPA Deputy Country Director Linh Nguyen and other NPA staff joined the anniversary event and met with representatives of the Lao Government, diplomatic missions, international organisations and students.
NPA appreciates the opportunity to support the Lao Presidency as it prepares for the Review Conference and to contribute to the shared goal at the heart of the Convention: ending the suffering and casualties caused by cluster munitions.
