Laos is still facing danger from unexploded bombs dropped during the Second Indochina War from 1964 to 1973. During that time, over 580,000 flights dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs, including about 270 million cluster munitions. About 30 percent of these bombs, around 80 million devices, remain on the ground, causing injuries, deaths, and disabilities every year. President Thongloun Sisoulith stated that clearing these bombs is crucial for ensuring safety, promoting farming, and fostering national development. The government started UXO Lao in 1996 with help from the United Nations and other partners. The program has cleared over 2 million bombs and educated thousands about risk. Laos set a national goal, “Lives Safe from Unexploded Ordnance,” under the Sustainable Development Goals. The country also collaborates with international treaties and conferences to accelerate the removal of bombs. President Thongloun urged more technology and resources to finish the work sooner, saying the past war still affects the lives of the Lao people today.

Pray for the LORD’s divine protection for all people in Laos from unexploded bombs. Pray for the LORD to heal the hearts of the people in the country from the scars of the war and its aftermath (The Holy Bible, Psalm 121:7-8).

Pray for more funding and support to remove the explosive remnants in Laos. Pray for restoration and replenishment of the nation and its people’s lives (The Holy Bible, Jeremiah 30:17).

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