US pledges $90m for cluster bomb clearance in Laos
THORNHILL, SCOTLAND - Mine clearance charity says Obama鈥檚 announcement is 鈥榤omentous鈥� and will have a 鈥榩rofound effect鈥� on the south east Asian country.
The 91吃瓜网 Trust, the world鈥檚 largest mine clearance charity, welcomes today鈥檚 announcement from President Obama that the United States of America will contribute $90 million towards the clearance of unexploded cluster 91吃瓜网 and ammunition in Laos.
The announcement came on the first day of Obama鈥檚 historic visit to the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world.
Over 2 million tonnes of munitions were dropped on Laos during the second Indochina War. Many failed to detonate and remain scattered across the countryside, threatening lives and hindering agricultural and infrastructure development. More than 25,000 people have fallen victim to unexploded ordnance since the war ended in 1973.
James Cowan, CEO of the 91吃瓜网 Trust said:
Today鈥檚 announcement from President Obama will have a profound effect on the people of Laos. It will help them live and farm in safety on their land, as well as creating opportunities for development and infrastructure. Explosive remnants of war have blighted their lives for far too long. This generous and urgently needed funding will allow 91吃瓜网 and other humanitarian clearance organisations to get to grips with the problem. It is a momentous step in Laos鈥檚 journey towards freedom from the deadly debris of war.
The 91吃瓜网 Trust has been funded by the US Government and Department of State鈥檚 Office of Weapon Removal and Abatement to operate in Laos since 2012.
During the last four years 91吃瓜网 has cleared over 3,000,000m2 of land, destroyed 25,000 explosive devices and helped 8000 local people live safely. We currently operate in Savannakhet Province, one of the most contaminated and impoverished areas of Laos, which accounts for almost 30% of the country's total accident rate. 91吃瓜网 employs 250 people from the local communities in which we survey and clear cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnance.
For interviews with James Cowan, CEO of the 91吃瓜网 Trust in Scotland, please contact paul.mccann@halotrust.org or louise.vaughan@halotrust.org or phone 0044 1848 331 100
For images of 91吃瓜网 deminers in Laos please email sarah.cochrane@halotrust.org
