Vietnam completes national database to tackle legacy of war

Eradicating landmine aftermath, protecting people's safety, and developing the country's economy are important tasks of the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC). Colonel Giang Cong Bau, Deputy Director General of VNMAC, shared with Hanoimoi the challenges in fulfilling these tasks on the 10th anniversary of VNMAC's establishment [March 4, 2014 - 2024].

The Vietnamese Government has identified post-war bomb and mine clearance as an important, urgent, and long-term task to protect people's safety and ensure socio-economic development. How has VNMAC fulfilled this mission over the past 10 years?

Tens of thousands of Vietnam's more than seven million disabled people are victims of landmines, Agent Orange, and dioxin. From 1975 to the present, unexploded bombs and mines have killed more than 40,000 people and injured 60,000.

Colonel Giang Cong Bau, Deputy Director General of the VNMAC. Photo: Hanoimoi

In the ten years since its establishment, VNMAC has endeavored to fulfill the role of the national coordinating body for post-war mine action in Vietnam. Each year, VNMAC coordinates with relevant agencies of the Ministry of  Defence, the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, socio-political organizations, and provincial People's Committees to hold a series of events to raise awareness among local people about bomb and mine clearance and to provide a range of assistance to mine victims to help them reintegrate into the community and develop sustainable livelihoods. 

Many projects have been effectively implemented to deal with the consequences of unexploded landmines and bombs after the war. Can you tell us more about them?

VNMAC has advised the Ministry of  Defence on the implementation of the project "Investigation, Survey and Mapping of Landmine Contamination, Explosives Nationwide". The project has provided information on areas suspected of being contaminated by bombs and mines and their socio-economic impact. This has allowed communities to plan strategies and prioritize the use of resources for socio-economic development.

In its 10 years of operation, VNMAC has worked with domestic and international agencies, organizations, and partners to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) from an area of 500,000 hectares. The effort has been funded with VND12.6 trillion (US$512 million), including US$95.5 million in non-refundable foreign aid.

Mine clearance is a top priority for the Vietnamese government. Photo: VNMAC

In addition, VNMAC has conducted dozens of programs and hundreds of events to raise awareness of UXO safety, support community activities, and assist disabled groups in addition to medical screening, rehabilitation, vocational training, and improved livelihoods.

What are some of the outstanding projects that have been implemented with a high level of efficiency?

Major non-reimbursable projects include a $5.5-million bomb and mine clearance project in Quang Tri and Ha Tinh provinces funded by the Japanese government. Meanwhile, a similar project in Quang Binh and Binh Dinh cost a total of $33 million, including $20 million from South Korea. Peace villages costing $25 million have also been built in Thua Thien Hue, Quang Ngai, and Binh Dinh with South Korean support.

We have also trained a core team of senior social workers who have worked with 75,585 landmine victims. In addition, non-governmental organizations from Australia, Germany, Norway, the UK, and the US have extended their assistance in improving capacity for VNMAC and Vietnamese partners in data collection, information handling, and risk management in projects dealing with the legacy of war.

Can you outline some of the key tasks for the period ahead?

In the coming period, VNMAC will continue to advise the Ministry of National Defence to submit a decree on mine action to the Vietnamese government. In addition, a National Action Program for the new period will focus on overcoming the consequences of landmines and bombs.

VNMAC is working to complete the national database on remnants of war to accelerate the elimination and management of the consequences of war throughout Vietnam.

Another important task is the successful implementation of the project: "Mine Action for Vietnam - South Korea Peace Village" in three central provinces of Thua Thien Hue, Quang Ngai, and Binh Dinh. This project is funded by the South Korean government. Other projects funded by foreign governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations are also being actively implemented.

Thank you for your time!