MAG has featured in the Lao daily English language newspaper, the Vientiane Times, in an article on the Australian government's financial support for unexploded ordnance (UXO) projects in the country, and the continuing effort to bring about rural development and reduce poverty.
Below is an extract from the article, dated 29 August:
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© Vientiane Times, 29 August 2008 |
Australian Ambassador to Laos, Dr Michele Forster, said Australia recognised UXO contamination had tremendous impacts on people's livelihoods and the development of Laos, so Australia contributed to UXO action in Laos to help mitigate the problem.
“Australia has been a longstanding supporter of UXO action in Laos since 1996, with total funding of over 110 billion kip (about A$15 million),” the ambassador said.
Australia's funding will support the development of UXO disposal technical training standards for the NRA and the enhancement of the NRA's capacity to manage and provide government leadership for UXO/mine action projects in Laos. The money will be used to build on Australia's previous support for the development of national standards for UXO action in Laos.
Support from Australia will also enable UXO Lao, MAG, HIB and FSD to continue their UXO operations, including UXO clearance, roving activities and mine risk education activities in Khammuan, Savannakhet and Xekong provinces.
The full article is available here at the Vientiane Times website.
Links:
- More about MAG in Lao PDR
- Why does MAG work in Lao PDR?
- UXO Lao (Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme) website
4 September 2008
MAG's work in Lao PDR is currently funded by: AusAID; DFID (UK
Department for International Development); Irish Aid; The Humpty Dumpty
Institute; Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF); Jersey Overseas Aid;
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture); US Department of State.
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