Mai HERR

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Starting Point

Originally from Xiengkhouang, Mai HERR has worked with Mines Advisory Group (MAG) as the Provincial Information Officer for over ten years. MAG is a humanitarian organisation clearing the remnants of conflict for the benefit of communities worldwide. It delivers practical, positive solutions that assist the process of peace and stability in conflict and post-conflict countries. MAG has been working in Lao PDR since 1994 and delivers responsive and impact-driven solutions that enable people affected by Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) to develop their future in a safer environment. 

HERR is deeply committed to contributing to the clearance and destruction of UXO to help protect the people in the province from its dangers. His motivations include ensuring community safety, supporting development, promoting education, upholding humanitarian values, advancing his career, and preserving cultural heritage. He added that this role allows him to raise awareness, foster partnerships, and fulfil a profound sense of duty to protect lives, drive progress, and safeguard the province's rich heritage from the threats posed by UXO.

Peace Journey

UXO disposal is a dangerous and high-risk job. All employees must undergo comprehensive training based on higher-level standards to understand UXO's harmful effects and impacts. This training is essential for preventing operational errors and ensuring work is carried out efficiently and safely. HERR is responsible for providing information about UXO to foreign and domestic guests, gathering feedback and visiting families or communities that have benefited from UXO clearance. He also writes case studies assigned by the project manager to report to donors. Additionally, he conducts interviews and writes articles about staff within the organisation, takes photos and videos of organisational activities, and shares them on online media platforms. Drawing from his experience in hospitality and communicating with visitors, he is skilled at collecting detailed and comprehensive information to support these responsibilities effectively.

His organisation, in collaboration with the government, has been diligently conducting mine clearance and destruction operations in various communities to reduce the presence of UXO and prevent accidents effectively. With support from multiple stakeholders, his organisation regularly organise risk education and awareness campaigns for parents in villages, aiming to prevent UXO-related incidents. To enhance the efficiency of clearance efforts, his organisation has been expanding the number of teams annually and continuously improving operational methods under government guidance. MAG  remains committed to intensifying its efforts in UXO clearance, destruction, and awareness-raising to ensure the safety and well-being of communities.

He emphasised the importance of participation in the UXO mitigation and recovery process, stating that it must involve individuals and communities at risk or living near UXO-affected areas. He suggests it should also include personnel from UXO clearance agencies, relevant government bodies, domestic and international organisations, private sector stakeholders, and concerned individuals to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach.

Success Stories

MAG is committed to providing equal opportunities and rights for both men and women. Women are empowered to work in all roles and positions based on their knowledge and abilities, including experts, consultants, communications managers, field managers, team leaders, and clearance supervisors. Currently, 30% of MAG’s staff are women, and they have equal rights and opportunities as their male colleagues. Beyond the organisation, women in the community actively contribute by reporting UXO findings, participating in UXO risk awareness campaigns, and sharing UXO knowledge with their children and others in their communities. HERR highlights the vital role of women as advocates for peace and progress, improving the lives of women and girls, especially those who are key caregivers within their families and communities. It also fosters equality and ensures women's participation across all jobs and sectors. 

However, HERR admit that challenges for women in UXO work persist due to societal gender norms, limited access to education and training, and the physical demands of the job. HERR also added that the women still balancing family responsibilities with work, addressing safety concerns, and the lack of female role models in the field further limit their full participation in this sector

Under MAG, HERR shared that he has learned and gained experience through his task of recording and writing stories of staff within the organisation who participated in various UXO work, including men and women, as well as individuals who have benefited or received assistance from UXO before, during, and after the impact of UXO. HERR also visited and interviewed communities, took photos, filmed documentaries, and provided information to visitors, including community members and knowledge centres. He is thankful that those opportunities allow him to connect closely with the history of loss and fear caused by UXO and to recognise the lingering fears that continue to affect communities even years into the future.

Additionally, MAG has achieved numerous successes in various areas and tasks, including promoting UXO risk education in 320 villages, with 150,771 participants, comprising 74,441 women and 76,330 men. The organisation has cleared and destroyed 338,417 UXOs, cleared 132,707,386 square meters of UXO-free areas, and benefited a total of 1,157,706 individuals through its MAG Operation.