UXO Risk Education, Neeeds Assessment, Lao PDR, October 2006

The main objectives of the assessment were:

1. To collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data to identify who is at risk of UXO accidents, why and what can be done about it
   
2. To involve a range of stakeholders in the assessment
   
3. To provide a report based on the above which can be used to underpin the MRE strategy for the Lao PDR and for UNICEF specifically and can be used to develop measurable impact and outcome objectives and indicators.
4. To provide recommendations on appropriate UXO messages and risk reduction strategies
   

Recommendations :

This assessment has been undertaken primarily as a MRE assessment and to inform MRE strategies and programming and many of the recommendations will be focused on MRE. Nevertheless, it is clear from the assessment that while information and education will remain a prerequisite for promoting UXO safe behaviour, particularly for children, on its own it is inadequate as a risk reduction strategy. In order to reduce risk the underlying vulnerabilities of risk and the way UXO risk is perceived by all stakeholders, also needs to be addressed.
Recommendations:

• Establish a process for engaging stakeholders
• Improve targeting and deployment of UXO clearance assets
• Review legislation and regulatory controls
  
• Review and revise current MRE messages and strategies - Review and revise current information management systems
  
• Develop strategies to reduce the risk to children and youth
  
• Develop strategies targeting adults & children who collect scrap metal
• Develop strategies to reduce the risk to people who dismantle UXO
• Develop strategies to reduce the risk to farmers working in the fields