Vietnam Gov’t Taking Steps to Remove UXOs

Vietnam’s Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) on Tuesday reported about unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination from past wars in Vietnam and activities undertaken to mitigate its effects. The conference was held to observe International Mine Awareness Day, which is on April 4. The ministry said that Vietnam has faced severe consequences of UXO, which has greatly affected the country’s development in general, and people living in bomb- and mine-polluted areas in particular. It is estimated that around 800,000 tons of UXO were left across the country after the war ended, mostly in the central region. More than six million hectares of land in the country is bomb-and mine-polluted, accounting for 18.82% of Vietnam’s total area. At least 100,000 people have been injured and killed since the war, and environment and natural resources have been affected, the report said. In central regions such as Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue, and Binh Dinh there have been 22,800 UXO victims, 10,540 of whom died. As per statistics with the Sapper High Command, the U.S. army used more than 15.3 million tons of explosives during the war in Vietnam, and around 5% of it remains unexploded. To reduce and eventually get rid of unexploded bombs and mines, the Vietnamese Government has invested a lot for searching and handling UXO; on educating people to prevent accidents; and on promoting international co-operation between Vietnam and other countries and partners in the region. The government has also assisted UXO victims and helped them integrate into the community. To Duc, deputy director of MoLISA’s social assistance department, said UXO victims are defined as persons with disabilities caused by bomb and mine accidents. Support for the victims is combined with policies for people with disabilities, including the Law on Persons with Disabilities. The ministry has also asked regions to provide treatment, training and jobs to UXO victims, and help them integrate into society. The MoLISA has also worked with the education and training ministry to promote special education for victims, Duc said. Pointing out shortcomings in the provision of support, Duc said policies for the disabled should continue to be implemented effectively and support services and social work centers should be expanded. He said hotlines should be set up for UXO victims who can ask for help when needed. There should be development in terms of hospital and function rehabilitation centers as well as vocational training and job creation. A ceremony to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is scheduled to take place in the central Quang Nam Province on April 4. An exchange program will also be held in Hanoi later that day to support UXO victims. (Vietnam News Mar 29)