Measures to deal with bomb/mine aftermath under discussion

Thứ Sáu, 21/10/2016, 08:21

On October 20, a meeting with Vietnam's development partners was held in Hanoi to look for ways to address the consequences of bombs and mines left over from war in the country.

In his address, Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh said dealing with the aftermath of bombs and mines is one of priorities of the policy of the Party, State and Government as the country has spent a huge amount of money on such activities and helped victims integrate into the community.

Despite war ending in Vietnam many decades ago, unexploded bombs, mines and explosives have killed over 50,000 people and injured more than 60,000 others.

Bombs and mines not only pose risks to local life but also hinder the country’s socio-economic development and cause environmental pollution, he said, noting that around 6.1 million hectares of land (equal to 18.82% of the country’s total area) are contaminated with unexploded ordnances.

Vietnam has also received active support and cooperation from the international community, especially development partners, he added.

Participants suggested calling for funds from both domestic and international organisations and individuals to carry out the national programme on settling post-war bomb and mine consequences (Programme 504) while completing an information management system and a database on bomb and mine victims nationwide.

The State Steering Committee for Programme 504 announced a map of areas suspected of bomb and mine contamination and set up a group of partners to address post-war bomb and mine consequences.

VOV