Honiara, Solomon Islands – A Solomon Islands Government delegation from the National UXO Inter-Agency Legislative Review Committee has successfully concluded a five-day official study tour to the Laos (Lao PDR) from 16–20 February 2026.
The delegation was led by Mr. Benzily Kasutaba, Director of the UXO Coordination Unit under the Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services (MPNSCS). Members included representatives from MPNSCS, the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The study tour was funded by the Government of Japan through the UNDP Office in Honiara. The Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry, acknowledges with sincere appreciation the Japanese Government for its continued and generous support towards strengthening Solomon Islands’ UXO coordination and legislative development efforts.
The purpose of the visit was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the national frameworks governing humanitarian and commercial UXO operations in Lao PDR. Discussions focused on coordination mechanisms, stakeholder roles, implementation of standards and policies, and the use of information management systems such as IMSMA Core.
The delegation engaged with the National Regulatory Authority (NRA), UXO Lao, and international operators including Humanity & Inclusion, The HALO Trust, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Tetra Tech, and representatives from the United States Embassy in Laos.
Through these engagements, Solomon Islands officials gained valuable insights into how Lao PDR coordinates large-scale UXO clearance operations, ensures compliance with national standards, and strengthens partnerships with international stakeholders.
The delegation also visited the COPE Centre in Vientiane to observe rehabilitation services and victim assistance programs for UXO survivors, highlighting the importance of holistic approaches to post-conflict recovery.
Two field visits were conducted in Sepon District, Savannakhet Province one of the most UXO-contaminated regions in Lao PDR. Delegates observed survey, clearance, and disposal operations carried out by UXO Lao and The HALO Trust, as well as community engagement and risk education awareness session delivered directly to one of the affected communities.
One delegate described the field visits as:
“An invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience and insight into UXO survey, clearance and disposal processes, and to better understand the standard operating procedures implemented in compliance with national regulatory standards.”
The National UXO Inter-Agency Legislative Review Committee is mandated to develop a National UXO Policy and a stand-alone UXO Bill for Solomon Islands. The knowledge, tools, and lessons gathered during this study tour will significantly enhance the Committee’s work as it progresses these important national instruments.
The proposed policy and legislation aim to strengthen nationwide coordination of UXO clearance, promote safer communities, unlock land for agriculture and infrastructure, and support broader national development goals.
On behalf of the Government through the Ministry, Director Mr. Benzily Katsuba expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan, through UNDP, for making the study tour possible and for paving the way for strengthened international cooperation and knowledge exchange in UXO management.
The delegation also extends its gratitude to the Government of Lao PDR, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Regulatory Authority, for facilitating the visit. Special appreciation is conveyed to UXO Lao, The HALO Trust, and other operators for ensuring the delegation gained meaningful firsthand exposure to field operations.
This successful study tour marks a significant step forward in Solomon Islands’ efforts to establish a robust national framework for UXO coordination, clearance, and victim support strengthening safety, security, and sustainable development for all.
