35.446 unexploded ordnance have been cleared in the first half of 2025 across 14 provinces in Laos, including bombs, landmines and cluster munitions; children remain most at risk, making up over 60% of victims as they unknowingly play with UXO

In the village of Ban Nam Deua, a Swiss-backed initiative is helping residents secure legal land rights; Through training, mapping and community engagement, the project empowers villagers to manage their land sustainably and avoid disputes or exploitation

A cooperation pact with Cambodia has been signed on 19 July to curb cross-border scams and drug trafficking, protect citizens and enhance regional security; since late June, Cambodia’s fight on scam networks led to 2.100 arrests and 2.300 deportations

FAO and IUCN launched a $42 million GEF-funded initiative to protect primary forests in Southeast Asia and the Pacific; It supports Laos, PNG and Thailand, aims to manage 3,2M ha, restore 8,5k ha, cut 34M t CO₂, and benefit around 20.000 people

A nationwide blood drive have started in Luang Prabang and Vientiane to tackle persistent shortages ahead of World Blood Donor Day; fear and misinformation hinder donations and the Lao Red Cross is calling for voluntary contributions