UXO consequence action program for 2023-2025 approved
VGP - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has decided to approve the 2023-2025 national action program on the settlement of consequences of unexploded ordnances (UXOs) left by the war.
Illustration photo
The program targets to mobilize and optimize domestic and foreign resources to minimize the effects of UXO on the country's socio-economic development and ensure safety for the people.
It seeks to promote dissemination activities to raise people’s awareness of mine accidents and help UXO victims reintegrate into the community, as well as its compliance with Vietnamese laws and international treaties and agreements that Viet Nam has signed.
The program targets studying and perfecting an organizational structure system from the central to the local level to utilize domestic and international resources to implement the national action program on settling the consequences of wartime UXOs in Viet Nam (Program 504).
The program aims to upgrade at least five regional orthopedic and rehabilitation establishments and build at least 15 models of commune-level health stations to assist UXO victims, with priority given to heavily polluted areas, provide timely treatment for victims of UXO accidents, and proactively support their sustainable livelihoods. The program also looks to build a database to assist the victims.
The Prime Minister asked the Ministry of National Defense to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities in the implementation of the approved plan.
About one fifth of Viet Nam’s land – 5.6 million hectares – remains contaminated with unexploded ordnance. It is estimated that between 600,000 and 800,000 tons of bombs and mines left over from the wars are still hidden underground.
Between 1975 and 1995, there were an average of 100 people involved in accidents caused by BMU each year. In 2005-2015, the number decreased to 10 people.
Between 2018 and 2021, no accidents involving BMU were recorded. In early 2022, however, there were two accidents with bombs and mines, killing one and injuring another.
So far, nearly 1,000 technical staff have been trained to meet international standards on bomb and mine clearance, and they are also equipped with modern equipment and facilities./.
