| <KYRGYZSTAN | LATVIA> |
Key developments since May 2001: In 2001, 8.74 million square meters of land were cleared in nine provinces. Mine risk education was provided to an estimated 182,000 people in 766 villages. According to UXO LAO records, 35 people were killed and 87 injured by UXO or mines in 2001.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) has not acceded to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. In the general debate of the UN General Assembly’s First Committee in October 2001, a Laotian representative stated, “We share the concern of the international community over the deadly consequences caused by the indiscriminate use of anti-personnel landmines. In this respect, while noting the Ottawa Convention, our view remains that States have the legitimate right to use such weapons for the defense of their national independence and territorial integrity as provided for in the Charter of the UN.”[1]
Laos for the first time participated as an observer in the annual Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Nicaragua in September 2001. On this occasion the Lao delegate called for financial support for mine and UXO clearance in Laos, but made no comment about intentions regarding the Mine Ban Treaty.[2] Laos also attended the Mine Ban Treaty intersessional Standing Committee meetings in January 2002, but it did not participate in the May 2002 meetings. From 13-15 May 2002, the director of UXO LAO (the national implementing agency for mine/UXO action) attended the regional seminar, “Landmines in Southeast Asia,” hosted by Thailand in Bangkok. He made a presentation on mine clearance, but no remarks on the ban treaty.[3] Laos also participated in the regional seminar of stockpile destruction held in Malaysia in August 2001.
Laos has been absent from every vote on the pro-mine ban UN General Assembly resolutions since 1996, including Resolution 56/24M in November 2001. Laos is party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) and its original Protocol II on landmines, booby-traps, and other devices but it did not participate in CCW meetings including the second review conference.
Laos is not thought to produce or export mines. Laos is believed to maintain a stockpile of antipersonnel mines, but no specific information is available. It is believed that there are some old minefields in use for security and border control in the north of the country.[4]
Laos is mainly affected by unexploded ordnance (UXO). The problem is the legacy of the Indochina War, especially from 1964 to 1973, when it is estimated that more than two million tons of ordnance were dropped on Laos.[6] Of 18 provinces, 15 report significant contamination from UXO. [7] More than 25 percent of villages have reported UXO contamination.[8] The most severely contaminated area in the country is the eastern border of Savannakhet province, where the Ho Chi Minh Trail used to be.[9]
As the population is growing, wells are being dug and land prepared for agriculture activities, but it is difficult to select sites to develop for irrigation and agriculture purposes as there is a high risk of hitting a mine or UXO when using a hoe or plow.[10] The high UXO contamination has had an impact on development, slowing down or even causing the abandonment of projects. Mine/UXO clearance priority is given to areas of public utility such as schools, clinics, hospitals and roads. Many agricultural areas needing demining are considered too small for immediate action. It is reported that villagers resort to demining themselves, driven by the need to use land and ensure family food security.[11]
UXO LAO is responsible for clearance activities throughout the country.[12] The UXO LAO national mission is to “reduce deaths and injuries from UXO and to open up land for agriculture and other development.”[13] To pursue its mission in opening up land, UXO LAO uses five types of clearance operations, including roving clearance, surface area clearance, shallow area clearance, deep area clearance, and deep search. Roving clearance teams are teams that respond to emergency requests where the presence of UXO is a threat to villagers and property. In 2001, roving teams made 2,107 visits to villages in nine provinces.[14]
In 2001, UXO LAO clearance and roving teams removed or destroyed 82,724 explosive war remnants, including 513 landmines, and 37,520 bombies. A total of 8.74 million square meters of land was cleared.[15] The targeted clearance of 9.5 million square meters for 2001 could not be met due to weather constraints in some provinces.
In 2001, UXO LAO received the support of six international Partners: Handicap International Belgium, Mines Advisory Group, World Vision Australia, Norwegian People’s Aid, GERBERA and a detachment of Belgian Military Advisors.
Handicap International Belgium, funded by the European Union, provided explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technical advisors and equipment in Savannakhet province. In 2001, EOD technical advisors focused on capacity building of district and provincial office staff. They also developed a level of competency to measure progress of the capacity building effort. Handicap International Belgium is planning to withdraw from Savannakhet by the end of 2004.[16]
World Vision Australia has provided technical advice and training for UXO clearance in Khammouane province since 1999. In 2001, the EOD training program included advanced render safe procedures for bombs, advance recovery procedures, and on-the-job training.[17]
Mines Advisory Group (MAG), based in the UK, began clearance in Xieng Khouang province in 1994, and in Saravane province in 1997. By the end of 2000, MAG completed the process of transferring operations to UXO LAO; MAG handed over to UXO LAO trained personnel and about US$1 million worth of equipment. In 2001, MAG provided technical expertise to assist UXO LAO with total quality management and training.[18]
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has been operational in Sekong and Attapeu provinces providing training to UXO LAO technical personnel. At the end of 2001, NPA transferred responsibility for the provincial work to UXO LAO. In 2002, NPA is supporting UXO LAO with a financial advisor and a senior advisor engaged in EOD training and monitoring field operations.[19]
GERBERA is a commercial demining company based in Germany. Since 1996, GERBERA has been developing UXO LAO’s clearance capacity in Houaphan province and since 1998 in Luang Prabang province.[20]
The government of Belgium has provided four military EOD advisors to support UXO LAO in Champassak province. The support will continue to 2003.[21]
As a major step in the development of national capacity building in the first half of 2002, the first Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal course was conducted at UXO LAO’s National Training Center, in Y’lay village.[22]
The UXO LAO target for 2002 is 8.09 million square meters of land cleared, including 5.75 million square meters of agricultural land. UXO LAO is also engaged in clearance in support of a number of internationally-funded development projects aimed at: building schools; constructing walking paths, access roads, bridges, irrigation canals, fishponds and wells; creating infrastructure such as irrigation and drainage canals to improve crop production; and building infrastructure for water and sanitation projects. UXO LAO plans 1,392 visits to villages by roving teams to remove surface ordnance.[23]
The Survey Unit of UXO LAO is responsible for the collection of data that is used to prioritize areas to be cleared. Survey members use Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) units and maps to identify the exact location of UXO. In 2002, UXO LAO is continuing to adapt its database to be compatible with the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA).
According to UXO LAO, in 2001 the average cost of clearance was US$3,551 per hectare (US$0.36 per square meter). Costs ranged from US$1,563 per hectare cleared in Xieng Khouang province to US$9,338 per hectare cleared in Khammouane province.[24]
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare is responsible for the coordination and implementation of UXO clearance and awareness activities. The Ministry hosts and chairs meetings of the National UXO LAO Steering Committee and provides assistance and coordination with other ministries and provincial authorities. The National Steering Committee is the policy making body for UXO LAO and provides guidance and direction. It includes representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security, and a representative from each of the nine mine/UXO-affected provinces, the National Programme Director, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).[25]
Each UXO LAO Provincial Headquarters identifies its own priorities through consultation with provincial and district authorities. They prepare work plans that are then submitted to the UXO LAO National Office for consolidation and resource planning prior to acceptance and approval by the National Steering Committee.[26]
In 2002, one of the goals is to work toward the creation of a National Authority for UXO action. The National Authority is expected to ensure a proper regulation of every UXO-related activity in the country and to coordinate with concerned ministries on overlapping interests and responsibilities. It will also be a focal point for the international mine action community.[27]
UXO LAO Community Awareness (CA) teams continue to provide mine/UXO risk education. Using a participatory approach the CA teams deliver their messages through school presentations, question and answer sessions, radio quiz shows, drama, puppet shows, games and group discussion. The CA teams coordinate and cooperate with implementing partners including UNICEF, Lao Women’s Union, Lao Youth Union, Ministry of Education, the Lao National Drama and Puppet Troupes and national and local radio and television.[28] UNICEF funds many of the UXO awareness projects.
During 2001, the CA teams visited 766 villages and presented Mine/UXO Community Awareness activities to an estimated 182,000 persons, including 75,000 children. In 2002, UXO LAO plans 753 visits to villages.[29]
In 2001, UXO LAO, with support from UNICEF, conducted three small-scale studies into Behavior/Attitudes/Knowledge of communities related to CA team visits. The results overall showed that there was a high level of understanding and awareness of UXO issues in villages where CA teams have visited. However, this knowledge does not necessarily translate into behavior change, particularly among young boys and men who gain social status from the perception that people who handle UXO are brave. Economic, social-cultural, physical and technical factors interact in determining unsafe behavior. The studies were limited to 12 villages in three different provinces.[30] As follow up to the study, UXO LAO plans to undertake an in-depth study on UXO awareness and the numerous interlocking factors related to UXO incidents.[31]
Total mine action funding for Laos in 2001 amounted to an estimated US$7.5 million, including about US$4.1 million for UXO LAO and about US$3.4 million provided directly to NGO partners.[32]
Total expenditures for UXO LAO in 2001 were $4,089,348. Most of this came from the UXO LAO Trust Fund: $3,406,307.00. Additional funds from UNICEF ($235,076), the UXO LAO revolving fund ($418,514) and the US State Department ($29,451).[33]
In 2001, the Trust Fund received funds from Canada (US$95,074), Denmark ($586,581), Finland ($290,957), Luxembourg ($250,000), the Netherlands ($532,712), New Zealand ($173,581), Norway ($279,230), and the United States ($879,643).[34]
Contributions to implementing partners in 2001 include:[35]
In addition to the above information provided by UXO LAO, Denmark reports that it provided $1,965,783 to the Mines Advisory Group in 2001.[38] Canada reports that it provided US$228,621, including $96,873 for UXO LAO and $131,748 for a Garneau International victim assistance program.[39]
The United States has been the largest donor to the Lao mine and UXO clearance program, having contributed almost US$18 million since the fiscal year 1996. It supported training programs and capacity building to the Lao National Demining Office and National Training Center. The US reports that in 2001 it provided US$520,000 to the UXO LAO Trust Fund, and US$293,000 for demining equipment.[40] UXO LAO reports that in 2001, US in-kind donations included: Equipment Support for US$682,000; Truck Procurement for US$360,000; Advanced Training for US$700,000.[41] The United States has confirmed its intention to continue supporting LAO UXO through the UNDP Trust Fund in 2002.[42]
The UXO LAO operational budget for 2002 is US$4.9 million, plus a 3 percent Trust Fund administration charge to UNDP.[43] As of March 2002, UXO LAO had received or had a commitment for US$3.2 million from the United States, Denmark, Norway, Luxembourg, Japan, and New Zealand. Additional funding was pledged by the Republic of Korea (US$50,000), The Netherlands (US$500,000), Canada (US$100,000), and UNDP (UNMAS Voluntary Trust Fund, US$100,000), plus estimated interest from 2000 and 2001 (US$150,000) for a total of US$900,000.[44]
As of March 2002, UXO LAO had a US$844,028 funding shortfall for 2002. UXO LAO stated this lack of funding threatens closure of activities at some time during the year.[45] Landmine Monitor was informed that as of 15 July 2002, work would be reduced in all provinces, except Xieng Khouang, due to funding constraints.[46] It was expected that the situation would be temporary.
In 2001, 122 new UXO/mine casualties were reported in Laos; 35 people were killed and 87 injured. Of these, 92 were males and 30 were females. Children make up 42 percent of the reported casualties. Precise information is not available on whether the casualties were caused by UXO or landmines, though most if not all were caused by UXO.[47] Data collection on mine/UXO casualties could be improved and it is very possible that the number of incidents is under-reported.[48] Reported casualties increased in 2001; in 2000, 39 people were killed and 63 injured by UXO.[49]
[50] On 15 March 2002, two members of a UXO LAO clearance team were killed in a UXO explosion in Xieng Khouang province.[51]
UXO incidents frequently produce upper body injuries, including blindness, loss of upper limbs, and lacerations. In Lao PDR, medical and surgical facilities with the capacity to adequately assist mine/UXO casualties are limited. UXO incidents frequently produce upper body injuries, including blindness, loss of upper limbs, and lacerations. Health care is unavailable to persons who cannot afford to pay for it, and some services are only available in the capital, to which few of the rural poor have access.[52] The cost of treatment is often beyond the means of the victims. In Khammouane Province, World Vision Australia assists mine/UXO casualties by paying for transportation to a medical facility.
The War Victims Assistance Project, supported by the US Leahy War Victims Fund and administered by Consortium Laos, was started in September 1995 to upgrade the medical, surgical, and emergency services of district and provincial Lao medical personnel and institutions in Xieng Khouang Province. As of May 2002, one provincial and five district hospital have received medical equipment, supplies, and assistance in emergency ward rehabilitation/renovation, and more than 300 medical staff received training in emergency rehabilitation or laboratory services. Under the War Victims Medical Assistance Fund, 79 UXO casualties had access to free medical treatment.[53]
The Ministry of Public Health’s National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) and the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) continues to provide prostheses, orthoses, and other assistive devices, to persons with disabilities, including mine/UXO survivors. The work of COPE is governed by a National Plan of Action. COPE’s services are delivered through the NRC in Vientiane, and four provincial centers in Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Savannakhet and Champassak provinces.[54] The National Plan of Action includes: advancing prosthetic services; introducing or upgrading other medical rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, orthopedic surgery, and wheelchairs; the promotion of social and economic reintegration services by developing athletics and improving access to vocational training; and developing the capacity of the Lao Disabled People’s Association.[55] COPE provides travel expenses for patients who need to come to the Vientiane center. The Provincial branches outside of Vientiane still suffer from a lack of equipment, and under skilled staff.[56] The Provincial branches cannot produce prostheses. At the NRC in Vientiane, with the assistance of COPE, activities are run at inpatient clinics, and a school for the deaf and blind. The center provides accommodation for patients and their family. COPE activities are funded by World Vision Australia/Laos and a small grant from a Japanese charity; new sources of funding are being sought.[57]
In December 2000, AAR commenced a three-year wheelchair production project at the NCR. Following training in wheelchair production by AAR there are now six technicians and six disabled persons working on the project. In December 2001, the construction of a new wheelchair production workshop at the NCR was completed. The project is fully funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.[58]
A Canadian NGO, Garneau International, collaborates with Laotian partners in the sector of landmine/UXO survivor rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration.[59] The Canadian funded project works closely with survivors, their families and communities, and the Xieng Khouang Province Rehabilitation Center and includes analysis of the survivors situation, assistance in the area of socio-economic reintegration, and assistance to Lao government institutions in developing viable community-based rehabilitation programs.[60]
In January 2001, a Vocational School for the Disabled opened in Ban Sikeud in Vientiane Prefecture, built and operated by the St Paul Foundation. It enrolled 102 students with a variety of mobility disabilities in a three-year vocational training program.[61]
The Lao army has its own hospital and rehabilitation center but many military veterans are treated at the NRC as the army hospital often lacks supplies and equipment.[62]
UXO LAO is not involved in mine/UXO survivor assistance programs, and it has been reported that there is a lack of communication between UXO LAO and COPE, which is compounded by the fact that two different ministries are involved. Although the Trust Fund founding document makes provision for the support of survivor assistance programs, currently COPE and the NRC do not have any access to Trust Fund support.[63]
There are currently no disability laws in Laos.[64] There is a move to develop national plans on comprehensive rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities, including protection of legal rights of disabled persons at the national level.[65]
In July 2001, the constitution of the Lao Disabled People's Association (LPDA) was formally approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, having first submitted its proposal in 1996. Activities of the LPDA include organizing vocational training courses for disabled people and workshops and conferences on disability issues. In 2001, the LPDA was supported by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.[66]
A National Workshop on Mine/UXO Victim Assistance took place in Vientiane on 11-12 October 2001, organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and supported by Handicap International. Phetdouangechanh Ekbanland, Director of the International Cooperation division of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, opened the National Workshop. In his opening speech he stated, “It is the first time and therefore a very important moment for Lao PDR to organize a workshop on Mine/UXO Victims Assistance.... It is quite evident that victims should receive medical treatment. However it is also important to provide physical and mental rehabilitation as well as to assist the victims and their families in socio-economic development. Finally the country needs to develop a better policy and protection to ensure the rights of the People With Disability (PWD) to have a normal life. The Lao government is considering with great attention any proposition to strengthen the policy of the party and the government to assist people who are affected by mine/UXO.”[67]
Sixteen persons representing Lao PDR attended the Regional Victim Assistance Conference in Bangkok, 6-8 November 2001, including the Director of UXO LAO, and the Director of Social Welfare Department, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
| <KYRGYZSTAN | LATVIA> |
[1] Statement by Ambassador Alounkeo Kittikhoun, Permanent Representative of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the UN, New York, 16 October 2001.
[2] Landmine Monitor Asia Regional Coordinator’s notes on oral remarks of Lao delegate to the Third Meeting of States Parties, Managua, 19 September 2001.
[3] Bounpone Sayasenh, National Programme Director, UXO LAO, “Mine Clearance and Technology: Laos’s Experience,” Bangkok, 13-15 May 2002.
[4] Interview with an expatriate of a Foreign Embassy, Vientiane, 6 February 2002.
[5] See Landmine Monitor Report 1999, p. 483, and Landmine Monitor Report 2000, p. 504, for a fuller description of the landmine and UXO problem in Laos.
[6] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, pp. 550-551 for more details.
[7] Handicap International Belgium, Living with UXO: Final Report National Survey on the Socio-Economic Impact of UXO in Lao PDR, 1997.
[8] Email from Kathryn Sweet, Programme Office Advisor, UXO LAO, 1 August 2002.
[9] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2001,” Vientiane, March 2001.
[10] Interview with Dr. Michael Handlos, Program Director, Action Nord Sud, Vientiane, 5 February 2002.
[11] Ibid.
[12] See earlier editions of Landmine Monitor Report for details on history and structure of UXO LAO.
[13] Lao PDR, “Report on National Workshop on Mine/UXO Victim Assistance,” Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Vientiane, 11-12 October 2001.
[14] UXO LAO, “Progress Summary Report: 01 January 2001-31 December 2001,” Vientiane, 31 December 2001.
[15] Ibid.
[16] Interview with Luc Delneuville, Handicap International Belgium Country Director, Brussels, 19 June 2002.
[17] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2001,” Vientiane, March 2001, p. 24.
[18] http://www.mag.org.uk/framindx.htm.
[19] NPA, Humanitarian Mine Action Portfolio, 2002.
[20] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2002,” Vientiane, May 2002, p. 10; email from Kathryn Sweet, Programme Office Advisor, UXO LAO, 1 August 2002.
[21] See country report on Belgium.
[22] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2002,” Vientiane, May 2002, p. 21.
[23] Ibid.. 14-15.
[24] UXO LAO, “Real Cost and Productivity Analysis Year 2001,” Vientiane, May 2002.
[25] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2001,” Vientiane, March 2001, p. 7.
[26] Ibid.
[27] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2002,” Vientiane, May 2002, p. 16.
[28] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2001,” Vientiane, March 2001, p.14. The radio quiz shows have been very popular and successful, with villagers often writing to the radio station to request their village host a quiz show.
[29] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2002,” Vientiane, May 2002, p. 16.
[30] Email from Amanda Bissex, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF, Vientiane, 12 April 2002.
[31] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2002,” Vientiane, May 2002, p. 19.
[32] The UNDP Trust Fund Manager estimated direct funding to partners at US$900,000, largely from Belgium and Germany. Email, Justin Shone UNDP Trust Fund Manager, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 3 July 2002.
[33] UXO LAO, “Financial Information for 2001,” tables provided to Landmine Monitor, received in email from UXO LAO, 9 July 2002. The US funds are NADR 1998 monies.
[34] Ibid.
[35] Email from Kathryn Sweet, Programme Office Advisor, UXO LAO, 1 August 2002; and UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2001,” Vientiane, March 2001.
[36] HIB reports that this figure is the entire 2001 budget for the Handicap International Belgium program, which included the contribution of Handicap International Belgium and Handicap International Luxembourg. Luc Delneuville, Handicap International Belgium, Country Director, Landmine Monitor Mine Action Questionnaire, Vientiane, 27 February 2002.
[37] MAG reports £210,210 for July 2001-June 2002 and notes that further funding is not expected from DFID. Email to Landmine Monitor (HRW) from Tim Carstairs, Director for Policy, MAG, 30 July 2002.
[38] See Landmine Monitor country report for Denmark.
[39] See Landmine Monitor country report for Canada.
[40] The US Department of State, “To Walk The Earth In Safety,” November 2001, p. 19.
[41] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2001,” Vientiane, March 2001.
[42] Interview with Justin Shone, UNDP Trust Fund Manager, Vientiane, 8 February 2002.
[43] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2001,” Vientiane, May 2002, p. 24.
[44] UXO LAO, Funding 2002 Report presented at the UXO LAO National Steering Committee Meeting and Donor Fundraising Appeal. Vientiane, 7 February 2002.
[45] UXO LAO, “Work Plan 2002,” Vientiane, May 2002, p. 25.
[46] Email, Justin Shone UNDP Trust Fund Manager, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 3 July 2002.
[47] UXO LAO Summary Report of UXO Accidents 1 January – 31 December 2001, issued by OPS, UXO LAO-Vientiane.
[48] Interview with Amanda Bissex, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF, Vientiane, 7 February 2002. See also Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 555.
[49] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 554.
[50] “Rising death toll claims UXO Lao officials in Xieng Khuang province,” Vientiane Times, 22 March 2002.
[51] Ibid.
[52] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 555.
[53] War Victims Assistance Project, Lao PDR, Project Fact Sheet, http://www.usaid.gov/pop_health/dcofwvf/wv/laosdet.html; See also Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 555.
[54] COPE is a partnership between the Ministry of Public Health, Prosthetic and Orthotic Worldwide Education and Relief (POWER), World Vision, the Cambodian School for Prosthetics and Orthotics (CSPO), and the Association for Aid and Relief (AAR). See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 555.
[55] Portfolio of Landmine Victim Assistance Programs, September 2001, p. 74.
[56] Interview with Azadi Saryev, Administrator and Finance Officer, COPE, NRC, Vientiane, 5.February 2002.
[57] Email from Azadi Saryev, Administrator and Finance Officer, COPE, NRC, Vientiane, 11 April 2002.
[58] Portfolio of Landmine Victim Assistance Program, accessed at www.landminevap.org.
[59] Email to Landmine Monitor (MAC) from Mavis Mains, CIDA Mine Action Unit, 23 July 2002.
[60] The project is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Email to Landmine Monitor (MAC) from Mavis Mains, CIDA Mine Action Unit, 23 July 2002.
[61] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 557.
[62] Interview with Wendy Moss, Australian Volunteer International, NRC, Vientiane, 5 February 2002.
[63] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 556.
[64] Ibid., p. 557.
[65] Interview with Luc Delneuville, Program Director, Handicap International Belgium,Vientiane, 8 February 2002.
[66] Portfolio of Landmine Victim Assistance Program, accessed at www.landminevap.org; see also Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 557.
[67] Opening Address by Somphan Phangkhammy, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Chairperson of UXO Lao, and President of National Committee for Disabled People, to the National Workshop on Mine/UXO Victims Assistance, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Vientiane, 11 October 2001.
