Findings from Laos

From the desk of Taryn Sebba

Legacies of War Intern Emeritus, Mines Action Fellow, Titus and Linda Peachey Peace Fellow 2023-2024

In February, as my flight descended into Vientiane under the soft afternoon sun, I finished re-reading "Voices from the Plain of Jars: Under an Air War." The juxtaposition struck me profoundly: while I admired the serene vistas of clouds, verdant landscapes, and the peaks of Buddhist temples, I couldn't shake the thought that this tranquil scenery was once the only perspective American pilots had during their indiscriminate bombing campaigns. I was filled with grief and guilt in knowing some of this history, but also tremendous gratitude for the opportunity to gain a more complete understanding of Laos. I was eager to learn more. Our time in Laos was nothing short of incredible and revealed 1) the endemic yet silent crisis of unexploded ordnance in Laos and 2) the unparalleled force of Legacies of War.

The Endemic Yet Silent Crisis of Unexploded Ordnance in Laos

Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. Linda and Titus Peachey - the namesakes of this fellowship - began their work in Laos from 1981 to 1985 with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), focusing on humanitarian assistance and post-war recovery. During this time, Titus initiated an unexploded ordnance (UXO) project that laid the groundwork for current removal efforts, now managed by the Lao government, employing over 4,000 people across nine provinces. Through their dedication and lived history, the Peacheys uncovered a startling revelation: unlike conventional mapping methods that identify areas likely to be contaminated and prioritize clearance efforts, Laos' contamination maps were inverted. Here, every corner of the country was assumed to be contaminated, with safe zones identified only after clearance efforts were completed. UXO contamination is an endemic yet silent crisis; silent in that it lies unsuspected beneath the surface and in that its permeating danger is not openly acknowledged despite its profound impact.

The complexity of this issue and its indiscriminate impacts are difficult to grasp without visiting Laos. UXO contamination pervades both the physical and social landscapes. We heard stories of bombs found in trees, moving great distances during the rainy season, and creating craters across the country. Bombs lying unsuspected for half a century could be set off, further complicated by climate change. Through engagement with various community organizations and partners, we also discovered a concerning pattern: cooking fires, both in homes and schools, were inadvertently shifted by mere inches, triggering unexpected and fatal explosions. Socially, we learned that all elementary schools in Laos provide Mine Risk Education (MRE). We heard songs and played with puppets created for children to learn about these dangers. We saw shell casings repurposed as boats, missiles as fence posts, and "pineapple" cluster bombs used as ashtrays. Live cluster munitions continue to be found in land and water, in schools and gardens, necessitating constant vigilance. The presence of these deadly remnants means that mines have to be taught about in schools, discussed regularly in communities, and considered in daily life, profoundly shaping the social fabric and limiting the freedom of the Laotian people.

Less visible is the impact of UXO on progress: Laos is categorized as one of the least developed countries in the world. We learned about the underdevelopment of Laos’ water systems that threaten health and development. For example, Laos’ rice fields are less productive than neighboring Vietnam’s, in part due to the lack of water systems to regularly flood the fields. Water systems can’t be constructed when bombs lie in the way. At a household scale, UXO injuries can be economically detrimental; individuals may be unable to work and provide for their families, and many hospitals don’t have nurses, requiring families to take time off or quit their jobs to care for their injured loved ones. 

UXO uniquely impacts development at all levels—immediate, familial, communal, and national. Imagine a Laos where development could occur without restrictions, children could dream big rather than receiving MRE, food was abundant, and rice fields were lush. Existing victims could be supported while future victims were prevented.

The issue of unexploded ordnance impacts the daily lives of Laotians. We met with communities and repeatedly heard that everyone knew at least one person who had been injured from UXO. The manager of the visitor center for COPE, an organization dedicated to victims’ assistance and prosthetics, shared with us that he was inspired to work there due to the fatal injuries his uncle sustained from UXO. Just outside the visitor center, a man missing a leg was being pushed in a wheelchair. Since the start of 2024, over 50 people have been seriously injured from these weapons. This UXO transcends time: past traumas recur in the present and will continue into the future unless these weapons are cleared. The grave history of the Secret War is ever-present in the UXO that continues to threaten lives and well-being. 

Remarkably, in light of and despite the tremendous threat that UXO presents in Laos and the overwhelming task that lies ahead to clear it, Laos is resilient, dignified, loving, kind, hopeful, and hope-filled. Despite facing extreme adversity, Laotians do not lament the challenges of clearing contamination. Instead, they move forward with unwavering hope and determination, embodying a profound strength and spirit. Despite the immense adversities imposed by historical conflicts, they have distinguished the failures of governments from the inherent worth of individuals. Unlike bigotry found in some cultures, the people of Laos do not harbor hatred towards Americans. Instead, they embody a deep wisdom and compassion, demonstrating an extraordinary capacity to forgive and move forward with hope and unity. I witnessed firsthand the most hospitable and welcoming society that exemplified profound maturity and grace; locals quickly became lifelong friends over shared Laab and Papaya Salads on the Mekong, were happy to teach me about their customs and traditions, and were genuinely concerned about our group’s well-being during the trip. Such dignity and hope were especially evident in the innovation occurring across the country: we learned about efforts to recycle discarded tires into bins at demining sites, Zero Waste Laos’ youth-campaigners planting hundreds of trees, World Education Funds’ support for victims and education campaigns, efforts to upskill disabled women in handicrafts to advance economic opportunity and preserve culture, and so much more.

In this vein, it is crucial to note that Laos is more than the unfair bombings it endured. Our trip was equally productive in meeting with relevant stakeholders and partners as it was fascinating, enriching, and profoundly inspiring to be immersed in such a vibrant and resilient culture. We climbed the steep steps of Wat Phou, a temple from the 5th century, during its annual festival. This festival brought thousands of visitors, processions, Buddhist rituals, live music, bustling markets, and more, creating an atmosphere of reverence and celebration. We rode tuk-tuks past ancient temples that stood gracefully alongside new shopping malls, illustrating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. We discovered the painstaking craft of weaving, witnessing the creation of the most incredible sinhs, each piece reflecting the heritage and meticulous artistry of Lao women. We explored the lively night markets, where the air was filled with the aroma of street food, and later ate our body-weight in sticky rice while watching the sunset over the Mekong River. We visited sustainable organic farms to learn about innovative agricultural practices, sifted rice, packed substrates to cultivate mushrooms, and marveled at the craftsmanship in traditional pottery demonstrations. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with warm “sabaidees” and smiles, a testament to the genuine friendliness and hospitality of the Lao people. Their openness and kindness left a lasting impression, making us feel genuinely welcomed in their beautiful country. It's difficult to capture in words just how profoundly incredible and vivid the trip was; it was a sensory immersion where we absorbed invaluable insights from experts of all walks of life, shared the most incredible meals, forged deeply meaningful connections, and witnessed breathtaking scenery that surpassed anything I had ever imagined.

The Unparalleled Force of Legacies of War

I am so deeply grateful, honored, and humbled to have had this opportunity and to be affiliated with an organization as compassionate, efficacious, and powerful as Legacies of War. The magnitude of the work that Legacies does, and the incredible feats it has accomplished to advance healing, is difficult to comprehend and similarly wasn’t easily apparent until visiting Laos and meeting with Legacies’ partners.

Throughout our trip, we walked with giants and heroes. It was moving to hear insights from locals, brave deminers, INGOs, government officials from both the Laos Government and the United States, and religious organizations. As part of Legacies’ role, our group became fact-checkers and truth-keepers, accumulating oral histories and facilitating conversations between stakeholders who might otherwise not communicate. This aspect of Legacies’ work is essential for building trust and ensuring all voices are heard in the dialogue about Lao’s future.

We were especially privileged to be with the Peacheys, who were there in the war’s aftermath and were among the first Americans dedicated to demining Laos. They have dedicated their lives to the healing of Laos through the Mennonite Central Committee, educating communities around the world about this issue, advocating for the ban of landmines and cluster munitions, and later serving on Legacies’ board for 18 years. They are credited with determining the staggering calculation that the U.S. dropped the equivalent of a plane load of bombs on Laos every 8 minutes, every day, for 9 years straight. We also met with Channapha, the founder of Legacies of War, and hearing about the organization's early days was profoundly moving. She recounted the perseverance and dedication that transformed a small group of passionate individuals into a leading advocate for UXO clearance and awareness globally.

The trip underscored Legacies’ three key themes: history, healing, and hope. In gaining these insights, Legacies of War amplifies voices by fostering collaboration among partners, building coalitions across diverse communities, and advocating for increased attention and funding to tackle this critical issue. Legacies acts as a bridge, bringing together stakeholders from different sectors to work towards a common goal. By serving as ambassadors for understanding this history, Legacies promotes healing and fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. Through educational initiatives and advocacy campaigns, Legacies ensures that the stories of those affected are heard, and the lessons of the past are not forgotten. They advocate tirelessly, pushing for policy changes and funding that is essential for continued progress. In addition to these efforts, Legacies of War promotes cultural awareness of Laos, showcasing the rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and resilient spirit of the Lao people.

Legacies’ work embodies a deep commitment to the belief that a future free from the threats of unexploded ordnance is not only possible, but within reach. By remaining steadfastly hopeful and dedicated, Legacies of War inspires others to join in this crucial mission, creating a global network of advocates and supporters dedicated to making lasting change. Through these combined efforts, Legacies of War not only addresses the remnants of conflict and prevents the proliferation of weaponry but also celebrates and preserves the unique cultural identity of Laos.

As we continue this important work, it is crucial to regularly connect with our partners and stay informed about new and emerging needs. Our time spent in Laos has forged lifelong connections that we will nurture and use to propel our work. The healing found in success stories, the hope in ongoing efforts, and the critical role of education, advocacy, and healing have solidified my commitment to this cause. Together, we can build a future where Laos thrives in peace and prosperity. We have a moral duty to repay their kindness and forgiveness by making these issues visible, ensuring no one forgets this history, and continuing to build meaningful connections to help remove these bombs. I will never forget when a deminer shared that if he could tell the U.S. government anything, he would say, "You dropped it, you fix it." This simple yet powerful statement underscores our responsibility to address the consequences of our actions, accepting responsibility for this atrocity, and honoring the resilience of the Lao people by actively working to remove the remnants of conflict and prevent further harm.

A Humble Ask to Get Involved:

As I reflect on this journey, the gravity of the situation in Laos is profound. The remnants of war continue to threaten lives, yet the resilience and strength of the Lao people shine brightly. The significant progress made in UXO clearance, driven by the tireless efforts of organizations like Legacies of War and the bravery of deminers, transforms perilous fields into safe, thriving communities. We have seen the impact of our collective efforts—fields once dangerous now fertile and communities once fearful now filled with hope. We see families reconnecting and members of the diaspora proud to call both Laos and the U.S. “home”. The rich cultural heritage and unwavering resilience of Laotians inspire us to uphold our moral responsibility in this critical effort. We must remember and take action, ensuring that the tragedies of the past are never repeated.

So, I call on you to get involved in any and every way possible. This work requires everyone to be involved. Whether it's through fundraising, contacting your representative, spreading awareness, attending events, or exploring the Legacies Library, your actions can make a difference. Together, we can honor the past, heal the present, and build a future where Laos thrives in peace and prosperity. Imagine the impact we could have if we all are as committed to this issue as Titus and Linda Peachey have been for the past 43 years. 

I am profoundly grateful to Legacies of War for affording me this incredible opportunity. This journey has been the most meaningful experience of my life, and is one that I will cherish and reflect upon for the rest of it. It was deeply moving to hear such intimate stories, meet such inspiring and resilient people, learn so much about the demining sector and global advocacy, and be embraced by such beautiful communities. 

I am committed to repaying this profound experience by advocating for demining/disarmament efforts and supporting the mission of Legacies of War for the rest of my life. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this crucial and life-changing work.