Landmine/UXO Programs

Vietnam Veterans of American Foundation (VVAF), in partnership with the Technology Center for Bomb and Mine Disposal (BOMICEN) has worked to detect and remove all landmines/UXOs from Vietnam. The process of detection and clearance began following the Vietnam War in an effort to expand agricultural land and assist in the resettlement of internally displaced people. However, the campaign was not successful in removing all dangers as landmine explosions still pose a threat to many Vietnamese. As a result VVAF and BOMICEN began work in 2004 to identity and remedy the landmine/UXO problems.

Landmines have had a prolonged impact in Vietnam, and there are still instances of World War II era landmine explosions. Contamination has prevented the development of new infrastructure and resettlement activities. Furthermore, landmines have prevented access to natural resources and new transport routes to rural areas from being developed. Additionally, the high costs of rehabilitation and treatment of landmine victims is another problem for citizens.

VVAF and BOMICEN's project included the establishment of a national map illustrating UXO/Landmine contamination, assessment of impact of UXO/Landmines on socio-economic life and recommendations in managing future landmine and UXO issues provision further recommendations. Landmines currently exist in all 63 provinces of Vietnam. The project, which began in 2004, was completed in 2008. The project included surveying individuals at the commune level and the mapping of bomb and mine contaminated areas. As of December 2008, the project had visited all 1,361 communes of 6 provinces: Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue and Quang Ngai.

Moving forward, VVAF will be working on a project to build capacity on this issue through technical trainings given by the Vietnam Bomb and Mine Action Center (VBMAC) and BOMICEN. The project, "Vietnamese Capacity Building through Technical Training: VBMAC & BOMICEN," began in Fall 2010 and will continue in 2011. It is funded by the United States Department of State.