VIENTIANE 3 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – The government of Laos Expands Mine Awareness Campaign to Engage Young People Nationwidehas intensified its efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance by launching educational initiatives that focus heavily on youth participation, officials said.
The nationwide campaign, coordinated by the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector (NRA), aims to educate schoolchildren, university students and young community leaders about the risks posed by remnants of war that remain buried across parts of the country. Through interactive workshops, school visits and media outreach, organisers are emphasising safe behaviour and hazard identification.
Authorities noted that although Laos has made significant progress in clearing contaminated land, unexploded mines and ordnance continue to pose a threat in rural areas where people regularly work and travel. Young people, who often venture into fields and forests for work or recreation, are particularly vulnerable to accidents involving these deadly remnants.
NRA representatives explained that involving youth in educational programmes not only spreads vital safety information but also empowers students to share knowledge with their families and communities. Schools in provinces with high risk levels have been prioritised for mine awareness activities, with local volunteers trained to support instructors.
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The campaign also includes creative elements such as poster contests, video messaging and social media initiatives designed to make mine safety education engaging and memorable for younger audiences. Officials hope these efforts will create a culture of caution and awareness that resonates beyond formal classroom settings.
International partners and non‑governmental organisations working on mine action in Laos have applauded the government’s focus on youth engagement, highlighting that community‑based education is a key pillar of reducing accidents and saving lives.‑The Capital Post
