PM Nguyen Tan Dung hopes to receive more support from foreign governments and organisations to clear post-war bomb and mine (photo: VGP)
Nhan Dan Online – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has appealed to donors, ambassadors and international organisations for assistance to Vietnam in dealing with the consequences of unexploded ordnance (UXO).
He made the request at a ‘Development Partnership Conference on Mine Action in Vietnam’ held by the National Steering Committee for the National Action Plan on Overcoming Bomb and Mine Aftermath in Hanoi on March 14.
The PM said that although Vietnamese people have been living in peace for nearly 40 years, the consequences of war are still felt with explosive remnants contaminating large areas of the country, drastically affecting people’s lives and national socio-economic development.
UXO killed more than 40,000 people and injured 60,000 others between 1975-2000. Each year, more than 1,500 people die and nearly 2,300 others are injured. 30% of these are children.
The Vietnamese Government and army have made every effort to overcome the consequences of UXO and spent around US$80-100 million each year for bomb and mine action.
The country has cleared thousands of hectares of contaminated land and built a map on bomb and mine data for 49 out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide. However, according to the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam needs additional US$10 billion and 300 years to clear all UXO.
Thus, the PM hoped to continue receiving support from foreign governments and organisations, particularly more practical assistance from the US to accelerate the settlement of UXO consequence.
PM Dung asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Steering Committee for the National Action Plan on Overcoming Bomb and Mine Aftermath and relevant agencies to closely co-ordinate to mobilise and use financial sources effectively.
International partners also pledged to assist Vietnam in human resources, techniques and experience related to UXO clearance and support victims of UXO.
At the conference, a National Centre for Bomb and Mine Action was established which is expected to facilitate the settlement of UXO in Vietnam.
Vietnam calls for international support for UXO clearance Related image(s)
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