Ensuring a Future for Laos’ UXO Child Survivors
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(Inkstick) In February 2024, the author, working as the Country Director for World Education in Laos, visited a hospital where unexploded ordnance (UXO) victims were treated, including a 16-year-old girl, Ton, who suffered a traumatic brain injury. The tragic news of four boys involved in a UXO explosion, with two fatalities, underscores the enduring impact of UXO in Laos. Despite being the most bombed country in history, Laos continues to see over 300 UXO-related injuries and deaths annually, with many victims being children.
World Education, supported by the US State Department, assists survivors with medical needs, but the lack of comprehensive support, especially for long-term recovery and vocational training, leaves many survivors struggling. The story emphasizes the resilience of child survivors like Ton and others, while calling for increased funding and attention to help these children lead fulfilling lives despite their injuries. Ensuring a future for UXO survivors is essential for their communities and future generations.
