Vue HUE

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Starting Point

HUE is a native of Xiengkhouang Province, as his parents are also indigenous to the area. He belongs to the Hmong ethnic group, one of the largest ethnic communities in the province. Growing up in a region heavily affected by UXO remnants from the war, HUE has spent his life adapting to the challenges of living in an environment fraught with such dangers. This personal connection to the land and his first-hand experience with the impact of UXO inspired him to join UXO Lao and dedicate his efforts to improving safety and livelihoods in Xiengkhouang Province.

Committed to creating safer communities, he specialises in UXO clearance operations, ensuring that contaminated areas are safe for residents, agriculture, and development. His work involves technical expertise, precision, and a deep understanding of the risks associated with UXO. Driven by a strong sense of duty, he contributes significantly to reducing UXO-related casualties and fostering sustainable development in his community.

HUE is motivated by his deep personal connection to Xiengkhouang Province to work with UXO Lao as a clearance member. Having witnessed the devastating impact of UXO on his family, friends, and neighbours, he is driven by a strong desire to create a safer environment for future generations. He believes every individual deserves to live free from the fear of UXO, emphasising that UXO clearance is vital for fostering development and improving livelihoods in the province. His vision is a safer Xiengkhouang where families can cultivate their fields without danger, children can play freely, and the entire community can thrive. Through his dedicated work, HUE aims to contribute to this transformation, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for all.

Peace Journey

HUE reveals that common UXOs include cluster munitions, landmines, unexploded bombs, artillery shells, grenades, and other explosives, posing risks to civilians, especially farmers and children. UXOs cause fatalities, restrict access to farmland, hinder infrastructure development, and obstruct economic growth.

Hue highlighted that working in a UXO clearance role involves identifying, neutralising, and safely removing unexploded ordnance in one of the world’s most bombed regions. The role is crucial for enhancing community safety and facilitating economic activities, such as farming and construction, in previously hazardous areas.

Additionally, clearance teams are vital in mitigating UXO dangers in Lao PDR. Their responsibilities include surveying and mapping contaminated areas, detecting and safely removing ordnance using specialised tools and advanced technologies, and educating communities about UXO risks. They contribute to community safety by clearing hazardous areas near schools, markets, and residential zones, responding to emergency UXO discoveries, and enabling agricultural and infrastructure development. They also promote risk education, raise awareness of UXO dangers, and assist in environmental restoration by clearing forests for sustainable use. They certify cleared areas for safe use, unlocking land for redevelopment, and supporting recovery efforts. Detailed documentation and reporting are essential for ensuring safety and supporting long-term development. UXO clearance is crucial for Lao PDR' sustainable development, national progress, and a safer future, offering hope to affected communities.

Success Stories

According to Hue, UXO clearance efforts in Xiengkhouang Province have achieved notable success, providing valuable lessons for improving operations and community engagement. They have achieved significant success, including the recruitment and training of women as UXO technicians, reshaping gender norms, and enhancing team dynamics. Moreover, community-based education programmes have reduced UXO-related accidents, empowering locals to report UXO sightings and adopt safe practices. In this context, community involvement in fostering trust and aligning programmes with local needs, such as prioritising high-impact areas like schools and farmland, can maximise social and economic benefits. Additionally, integrating clearance with post-clearance development initiatives, such as agriculture and education, ensures long-term benefits.

Regarding women’s involvement in UXO clearance, HUE stated that gender inclusion enhances team performance and inspires community support. However, such a role faces unique challenges due to cultural, physical, societal, and logistical factors. Cultural norms often assign primary household duties to women, limiting their ability to engage in physically demanding and high-risk work. Gender biases, lack of tailored equipment, and limited training opportunities further restrict participation. Women also face health challenges, safety concerns, and psychological stress while balancing caregiving roles. Economic constraints and logistical barriers, such as transportation and childcare, exacerbate these issues. There is also limited policy support and advocacy for gender inclusion, which hinders progress.