Ms Sonam Yangchen Rana, UN Resident Coordinator and Mdm Onechanh Thammavong, the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, are viewing one of the many the exhibition booths in the event. Here, UXO Lao presenting their work. Photo: UNDP Lao PDR/Inka Leisma

Hundreds of people gathered together in Vientiane on Sunday morning, 1 August, to celebrate the entry into force of the historic Convention on Cluster  Munitions. The celebration took place at the International Cooperation and Training Center (ICTC).

"The Convention on Cluster Munitions is a humanitarian instrument that protects human being. Therefore, this convention has gained a broader support from many countries worldwide. To date, 107 countries signed and 37 states ratified", said H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Minister continued emphasizing the importance of the upcoming First Meeting of States Parties, to be organised 9-12 November in Vientiane."This Meeting is extremely crucial for the implementation of the Oslo Convention, as it will determine directions and adopt practical measures including mechanisms for the implementation of the Convention." Read more

Watch a video on cluster munitions

Remarks by Ms Sonam Yangchen Rana, UN Resident Coordinator 

Remarks by H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs