Domestic and international efforts boost landmine cleanup
As many as 2,000 people were killed by post-war landmines between 2010 and 2014, while an estimated 6.1 million hectares accounting for more than 21 percent of Vietnam’s land remains contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO).
A staff member from Norwegian People’s Aid Vietnam surveys an area contaminated with landmines (Photo courtesy of NPA)
Hanoi (VNA) - As many as 2,000 peoplewere killed by post-war landmines between 2010 and 2014, while an estimated 6.1million hectares accounting for more than 21 percent of Vietnam’s land remainscontaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO).
This information was released by Dang Van Dong, DeputyDirector of the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC) under the Ministryof National Defence, at a November 23 conference on promoting internationalpartnerships and supporting victims of UXO and Agent Orange (dioxin) in Vietnam.
Victims of left-over bombs and mines have mostlybeen in the Central Highlands and central provinces. High-risk groups includechildren under 16, scrap collectors and people living in isolated areas.
The centre operates a livelihood assistance programmeand provides aid of up to 5 million VND (213 USD) to each landmine victim’sfamily.
In collaboration with the governments of theUnited States, Japan, the United Kingdom and other international organisations,capacity building projects for victims are also conducted.
VNMAC focuses on UXO clearance, assistance forlandmine victims, communication on UXO prevention and international resourcemobilisation.
As the cost for UXO cleanup is high, raisingawareness for people living in severely contaminated area is prioritised.
Last October, a project to remedy the consequencesof post-war bombs and mines in Quang Binh and Binh Dinh provinces from 2018 to2020 was launched by the governments of Vietnam and the Republic of Korea.
With 20 million USD of assistance from the KoreaInternational Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the project expects to clear 8,000haof landmine-contaminated area in Quang Binh province and survey 20,000additional hectares.
Data about victims in the two provinces will becollected to better assess action plans moving forward.
In April, the National Steering Committee on theSettlement of Post-war Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences, orCommittee 701, under the Ministry of National Defence, was established.
With Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc as thecommittee’s head and ministers as members, the government shows its commitmentto overcoming post-war consequences of UXO and toxic chemicals, said Do Van Duan,a representative of the committee.-VNA
The Vietnam Association for Supporting UXO/Mine Action efforts (VNASMA) presented 20 aid packages, worth 10 million VND each, to victims of war-era unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak on May 29.
A training course on bomb and mine operations jointly held by the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Government, opened in Hanoi on July 9 for officials of the Ministry of Defence.
Competent forces in central Quang Tri province’s Huong Hoa district have deactivated more than 460 shells, according to the provincial mobile bomb and mine clearance team under PeaceTrees Vietnam.
The central province of Quang Tri has mobilised more than 20 projects and non-project aid packages worth over 4 million USD in the first nine months of the year to address the lingering consequences of bombs and mines left by wars across the locality.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of the country’s goal of having the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.
Throughout its 80-year history, the VNA has remained at the forefront of information dissemination. It has consistently delivered timely, accurate, and objective reports on both domestic and international events, serving the Party’s leadership, the State’s management, and the public’s demand for official news.
With strong support from local authorities, businesses, organisations, and residents, the province has successfully built or repaired 10,707 homes for disadvantaged households, including war veterans, families of martyrs, ethnic minority people, and low-income residents.
Throughout its resistance against colonialists and imperialists, Vietnam developed a revolutionary press that has served as a benchmark for just and legitimate causes worldwide.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
A staff member from Norwegian People’s Aid Vietnam surveys an area contaminated with landmines (Photo courtesy of NPA) 
