Actions to overcome the aftermaths of landmines in post-war Vietnam

Although wartime ended decades ago, especially the 1950s–1970s prolonged wars, many people in Vietnam continue to be affected by cluster munitions (CM) and other types of unexploded ordnance (UXO) scattered across the country. Nearly millions of tons of landmines and explosives (UXO) were used in these wars, leaving tons of UXO behind. According to the Vietnamese government, all 63 provinces and cities across the country are contaminated by UXO to varying degrees, with the total contaminated land area accounting for 18% of the country's total area. Some localities even endured 80% of landmine contamination. This makes Vietnam one of the countries with a high level of UXO contamination in the world, particularly in cluster munition contamination.

Since 1975, UXO accidents in Vietnam have been estimated to have caused the impact on 105,000 people, with 38,000 deaths and 66,000 injuries. However, fully updated and realistic national statistics are not available, making these figures relative estimations.

To support the Government and people of Vietnam in removing cluster munition remnants and post-war UXO, Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), with experience in the field of mine action in over 40 countries worldwide, proceeded to establish its program in Vietnam in 2007.

Implementation Process - Scope

To minimise cluster munition contamination and help people live and work in safe areas, NPA has established programs in five provinces and cities: Hanoi, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, and Kon Tum, with key activities including:

• Cluster Munition Remnant Survey (CMRS) applied in Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue provinces to identify the boundaries of confirmed hazardous areas contaminated with cluster munition through non-technical and technical surveys.
• Battle Area Clearance (BAC) in Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue to search for and handle post-war UXO remnants systematically and controllably among confirmed CM contaminated areas.
• Mobile Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) in the two provinces of Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue to identify and destroy explosives outside confirmed contaminated areas, usually responding to requests for explosive material disposal.
• Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) in Kon Tum to minimise injuries caused by landmines and explosives through raising public awareness, adapting to the level of vulnerability, roles, and different needs of each target group, while promoting behavioural change.
• Capacity building as a long-term cooperative partnership to strengthen the capacity of national-level partners such as the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC), Quang Tri Mine Action Centre (QTMAC), Quang Binh Database and Coordination Unit (QB DBCU), and Thua Thien Hue Database Unit (Hue DBU).

Budget

In 2022, NPA was proud to continue supporting the Government of Vietnam in minimising the impact of explosive materials on people's lives, helping them work and live in peace of mind. To achieve these results, NPA received stable funding from the Governments of the United States and Norway, with a total contributed budget of over 68 million NOK, equivalent to more than 6.7 million USD.

NPA teams identified more than 130km2 of land contaminated with explosives through the cluster munition remnant survey method; cleared more than 8,700,000 m2 of confirmed hazardous areas (CHA); safely discovered and destroyed more than 13,700 explosive items, accounting for 28% of the total explosives found by NPA globally.

The cost per m2 of CHA is 0.05 US cents, the cost per m2 cleared is 0.32 US cents, and the cost for each explosive item discovered and destroyed is 380 USD.

The program has achieved significant results in surveys and safe disposal activities. Specifically, 363 villages/hamlets underwent non-technical surveys, while 20 km² of land area was reviewed. During implementation, 2,680 mobile disposal tasks were performed, contributing to risk reduction for the community. Additionally, 401 confirmed hazardous areas were identified, along with more than 34,700 explosive materials discovered and safely handled. In total, the program has brought direct benefits to 40,309 people, reflecting a practical impact on safety and life stability in affected areas.

With 16 years of experience in the field of Mine Action in Vietnam and close cooperation capability with domestic and international agencies, organisations, NPA Vietnam always aims to expand activities to provinces vulnerable to contamination and with limited support.

Specifically, starting in 2022, NPA conducted a needs assessment and established operations in Kon Tum province, one of the provinces heavily contaminated by UXO, especially cluster munitions. Through initial activities with provincial authorities, NPA conducted UXO risk education sessions in the province, targeting vulnerable groups. However, the exact level and areas of contamination have not yet been determined.

Providing the large and tragic accidents related to landmines that occur every year in Vietnam (such as the accident in Kon Tum that resulted in two deaths and three injuries last March, 2023), it is of paramount importance to conduct risk education, detection, clearance, and mobile disposal activities.

NPA Vietnam is always ready to support the authorities and people of provinces affected by post-war UXO, sharing experience and expanding operations in locations with a need for overcoming the consequences of landmines and explosive ordnance.