Mai HERR

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Starting Point

Mai HERR is originally from Xiengkhouang. He has worked with Mines Advisory Group (MAG) as the Provincial Information Officer for over ten years based in Xiengkhouang Province. 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 former conflict countries. MAG has been working in Lao PDR since 1994 and delivers responsive and impact-driven solutions that enable people affected by UXO to develop their futures in a safer environment. HERR highlighted that “As a Provincial Information Officer in UXO work in Xiengkhouang, I am 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 my career, and preserving cultural heritage. He added that “this role allows me 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 to prevent operational errors and ensure the 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 my experience in hospitality and communicating with visitors, I am skilled at collecting detailed and comprehensive information to support these responsibilities effectively,” he said. 

The interviewee also shares that 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, we regularly organise risk education and awareness campaigns for parents in villages, aiming to prevent UXO-related incidents. To enhance the efficiency of clearance efforts, our organisation has been expanding the number of teams annually and continuously improving operational methods under government guidance. We remain committed to intensifying our efforts in UXO clearance, destruction, and awareness-raising to ensure the safety and well-being of communities,” HERR said.

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 added, “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 (such as experts, consultants, communications managers, field managers, team leaders, and clearance supervisors). Currently, 30% of MAG’s staff are women. They enjoy the same rights and opportunities as men. 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 women's vital role 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, challenges for women in UXO work persist due to societal gender norms, limited access to education and training, and the job's physical demands. Besides, “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”, said the Interviewee.

Under working with MAG and by responsibility, HERR shared that he has learnt and gained experiences through his task of recording and writing stories of staff within the organisation participating in various UXO work, including men and women, and people 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 communities and knowledge centres. "These opportunities allow me 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,” said HERR.

Additionally, MAG has achieved many successes in many areas and tasks, such as promoting UXO risk education in 320 villages, with 150,771 participants, 74,441 women and 76,330 men, clearing and destroying 338,417 UXOs, clearing 132,707,386 square meters of UXO-free areas, and a total of 1,157,706 beneficiaries from the MAG Operation.