Since 1975, bombs and mines remaining after the wars have killed over 40,000 people and injured over 60,000 others.

Mine disarmament in Hoa Vang district, Da Nang city (Photo: baotintuc.vn)

The information was provided during a press conference held on March 31^st marking the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (April 4^th).

According to Nghiem Dinh Thien, Vice Director of the Vietnam Bomb and Mine Action Center (VBMAC), statistics show that some 800,000 tons of bombs and mines remain in Vietnam, polluting some 6.8 million hectares of land across 63 provinces and cities.

Surveys indicate that the victims of bombs and mines, mainly labourers and children, do not have adequate understanding of explosives. In particular, illegal seeking to recycle waste from bombs and mines has resulted in the number of fatalities and wounded victims increasing.

Recently, the State Steering Committee for the National Action Program on overcoming the aftermath of bombs and mines left by the war has signed a deal with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union to assist victims of bombs and mines integrating into communities in the 2016-2020 period, with a pilot program on educating the prevention of bomb and mine accidents in Binh Dinh province.

According to the Ministry of Labour, War – Invalids and Social Affairs, over the next 5 years, the ministry will focus on improving the lives of the victims by developing rehabilitation services and giving social assistance for the victims./.

( Compiled by VNF )