Laos Prepares for Cluster Munitions Conference Amid Ongoing Unexploded Ordnance Cleanup

Laos is preparing to host the next review conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), a gathering that will bring together member states, civil society groups and experts to assess progress in eliminating cluster bombs and addressing their humanitarian impact. The conference, scheduled for late 2026, will be held in Vientiane and is expected to attract more than 200 participants from across the globe, including representatives from the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

In the lead‑up to the event, Laos has intensified decommissioning efforts across its countryside, deploying specialized teams to clear unexploded ordnance from paddy fields, forests and rural pastures. The country, which suffered extensive cluster munition contamination during the Vietnam War, has been working to remove more than 200,000 sub‑munitions since 2009. The conference will review the status of these clearance operations, the effectiveness of technical assistance received, and the broader regional implications for safety and development.

The review conference is a key milestone for the CCM, providing a platform for states to report on their implementation of the treaty’s obligations, share best practices, and negotiate further measures to accelerate the global ban on cluster munitions. Laos’s role as host underscores its commitment to regional security and the protection of civilians, while the ongoing clearance work highlights the persistent danger posed by legacy ordnance in rural communities.