Vietnam Sets up Fund to Solve UXOs’ Consequence

Prime Minster Nguyen Tan Dung has decided to establish a fund to handle consequences of unexploded bombs and mines left over from the wars in Vietnam. The fund, which is managed by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, is to mobilize funds from organizations and individuals for actions to address consequences of unexploded ordnances, ensure safety for local people and support victims in integrating into the community. Working as an independent and non-profitable body, the fund will cover nationwide with priorities to the hardest-hit areas. It will be sourced from donations by organizations and individuals at home and abroad, non-refundable aid and non-governmental organizations. Recently, the Prime Minister also decided on the establishment of the National Mine Action Center to work with agencies on research and policies to reduce harms caused by unexploded ordnances. The center will also act as an agency for mobilizing international support for dealing with bombs and mines left over from wars and co-coordinating projects on bomb and mine clearance and victim support. (Chinhphu.vn March 11)