Around 2,000 Vietnamese Die due to Post-war UXO in 2010-2014

As many as 2,000 people were killed by post-war landmines between 2010 and 2014, while an estimated 6.1 million hectares, or more than 21% of Vietnam’s land, remains contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO). Mr. Dang Van Dong, deputy director of the Vietnam National Mine Action Center (VNMAC) under the Ministry of National Defense, announced the figure at a November 23 conference on promoting international partnerships and supporting victims of UXO and Agent Orange (dioxin) in Vietnam. Victims of left-over bombs and mines have mostly been in the Central Highlands and central provinces. High-risk groups include children under 16, scrap collectors and people living in isolated areas. In collaboration with the governments of the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and other international organizations, capacity building projects for victims are also conducted. (Vietnam Plus, Dan Tri Nov 23)