The MOLISA official made the statement while addressing the programme Journey To A Bright Tomorrow (Hành trình vì ngày mai tươi sáng) commemorating the International Mine Awareness Day in Hanoi on April 4.

Speaking at the event, he detailed a range of programmes and policies that have been deployed to detect explosive materials, clear landmines, improve the livelihood of bomb and mine victims and help them integrate into the community.

Vietnam has also mobilised a significant source of support from domestic businesses and organisations as well as non-governmental organisations in implementing such programmes, he added.

Minister Nguyen Trong Dam speaking at the event. (source: MOLISA)

The Deputy Minister called for joint efforts from the entire society and further financial support, as well as humanitarian aids from international organisations and donors in speeding up the settlement of consequences by bombs and mine.

A wide range of programme has been deploy to remove unexploded ordnances. (illustrative photo: VOV)

At the event, the association for settling UXO consequences presented 71 gifts worth VND 12 million (US$ 530) each to 71 bomb and mine victims from Ha Giang, Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces who are living amidst constraints.

Minister of National Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh presenting gifts to bomb and mines victims in the ceremony (source: MOLISA)

According to statistics, more than 18% of total land in Vietnam is still contaminated with unexploded ordnances. Over 40,000 Vietnamese people have been killed and 60,000 have been injured by war residuals (bombs and mines) so far. Besides posing risks to people’s lives, it has also hindered the country’s socio-economic development and caused environmental pollution./.

( VNF/NDO )