Speaking at a national conference reviewing the 2010–2025 national action programme on post-war ordnance clearance, Prime Minister Chinh praised the achievements of the past 15 years, noting that nearly 530,000 hectares of contaminated land have been surveyed and cleared, and the total area suspected of contamination has fallen to about 5.57 million hectares.

Thousands of tonnes of explosives have been safely removed, reducing accidents and allowing previously hazardous land to be returned to productive use. International cooperation has played a key role in this campaign. Governments and organisations from the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Norway have supported ordnance clearance and the remediation of dioxin contamination.

“We are deeply moved. This is a noble gesture, an act of humanity; we highly appreciate your concern for the sacrifices and losses of our nation. It is a profound encouragement, sharing, and expression of solidarity with the people of Vietnam,” said the PM.

According to the Prime Minister, post-war unexploded ordnance clearance is both a humanitarian and national priority for Vietnam. He called for continued policy improvements, strengthened organisational capacity, and expanded international cooperation, including the application of science, technology, and digital solutions, to achieve full remediation to a depth of 0.5 meters.

He also stressed the importance of victim support, including medical care, vocational training, social assistance, and livelihood programmes, while enhancing public awareness and education on ordnance safety.

Prime Minister Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam’s proactive and responsible approach to post-war clearance, emphasizing that the country is a reliable partner and active member of the international community. He called on foreign governments, ambassadors, international organisations, and donors to continue their support, helping Vietnam fully overcome the legacy of unexploded ordnance.

Taking the floor, Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki highlighted the humanitarian importance of such aid and praised the results achieved so far.

“The consequences of war in Vietnam are severe, so Japan’s support for Vietnam is both humanitarian and essential. I am very pleased that our cooperation in clearing unexploded ordnance and remediating dioxin contamination has been effective and highly appreciated,” he said.

In provinces in Vietnam, from north to south, mine clearance and land remediation projects supporting the search and repatriation of war martyrs’ remains have demonstrated the Party and State’s commitment, as well as society’s gratitude toward fallen heroes and those who contributed to national defence. These efforts have also brought tangible socio-economic benefits to local communities.

Hoang Nam, Vice Chairman of Quang Tri province, which was a war-torn land, said post-war mine clearance is a long-term priority to ensure that people can live safely, free from the threat of unexploded ordnance.

“We believe that the goal of a safe Vietnam, without the suffering caused by mines, will soon be realized. Every cleared bomb restores a piece of land, protects a life, and represents the achievement of peace and sustainable development,” he stated.

Vietnam still has approximately 5.6 million hectares of land contaminated with unexploded ordnance, equivalent to about 17.7% of the country’s total land area. Unexploded bombs and munitions remain scattered across all 63 provinces and cities, with heavy concentrations in the Central, Central Highlands, and northern border regions.

An estimated 800,000 tonnes of leftover bombs and explosives from the war are dispersed across the country, contaminating large areas of land and posing ongoing risks to public safety and socio-economic development.

According to the Ministry of National Defence, clearing about 5.6 million hectares of contaminated land would require over VND208 trillion (approximately US$8.8 billion) and could take decades or even centuries to complete.

Wartime bomb safely destroyed in Da Nang after discovery by residents

VOV.VN - Authorities in Da Nang city on January 9 safely destroyed an unexploded wartime bomb weighing more than 200 kilograms after it was discovered by local residents following recent flooding.