Chi tiết tin - Sở Ngoại vụ

During the 2021-2025 period, the international situation continued to be complex, affected by the global economic crisis and ongoing geopolitical developments worldwide. As a result, budgets allocated by developed countries for international humanitarian assistance showed a continued downward trend. Nevertheless, under the close leadership and direction of the Party, the State, and the Government, mine action and chemical/dioxin remediation efforts during the 2021-2025 period achieved many positive results.

Ministries and sectors continued to thoroughly implement and effectively carry out the Party’s, State’s, and Government’s directives and policies on addressing the consequences of landmines and chemical agents after the war in Viet Nam. Survey, assessment, and clearance operations for landmines, unexploded ordnance, and chemical/dioxin contamination at hotspot areas were continuously conducted and delivered significant outcomes, contributing to the reduction of adverse impacts on both the environment and human health. During the 2021-2025 period, more than 187,880 hectares were cleared of landmines and unexploded ordnance, reducing the total area contaminated by explosive remnants of war to approximately 5.57 million hectares. Total funding mobilized for landmine clearance during this period amounted to approximately VND 9.8 trillion, of which international funding accounted for about VND 3.6 trillion.

Regarding the survey, assessment, and treatment of chemical agents/dioxin contamination, from 2021 to date, approximately 41 hectares of dioxin-contaminated land have been assessed and remediated. These efforts have contributed to land recovery for socio-economic development while ensuring national defense and security. The total funding for this work amounted to approximately VND 184 billion from domestic sources and USD 300 million in non-refundable ODA.

Policies and regulations on preferential treatment and support for victims of landmines and chemical agents/dioxin have continued to be effectively implemented, ensuring both practical impact and humanitarian significance. To date, approximately 15-20 provinces and cities nationwide have issued resolutions expanding the categories of beneficiaries eligible for these policies.

In his keynote remarks at the Conference, Mr. Thai Huu Lieu, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that for many years, Quang Tri Province has consistently regarded mine action as a humanitarian, comprehensive, and long-term mission of strategic importance. This task, he noted, requires a long-term vision and a scientific approach, while being closely integrated with the nation’s sustainable development goals.

During the 2021-2025 period, despite numerous challenges, including a complex and volatile international and domestic context, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme natural disasters, geopolitical fluctuations, and a declining trend in international aid resources, Quang Tri Province achieved many notable results in addressing the consequences of landmines and chemical agents. Over the past five years, the province mobilized more than USD 47.4 million in non-refundable aid. Quang Tri has maintained stable and trustworthy partnerships with key international partners such as MAG, NPA/RENEW, PeaceTrees Vietnam, CRS, GWHF, and other organizations. These resources have played a vital role in ensuring the continuity and sustainability of post-war remediation programs. As a result, more than 184 million square meters of contaminated land have been cleared and safely handed over to local authorities for management and use, while over 102,000 landmines and explosive remnants of war have been collected and safely disposed of.

In particular, the completion of Cluster Munition Remnants Surveys (CMRS) across most accessible areas marked a significant turning point in mine action and risk management efforts. The Confirmed Hazardous Area (CHA) mapping system and its associated database have become a solid scientific foundation enabling the province to accurately identify contamination levels and priority areas, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of resource mobilization and the integration of mine action activities into socio-economic development planning and programs.

Mine risk education and victim assistance have continued to be implemented in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. During the 2021-2025 period, more than 211,000 community members and students participated in mine risk education activities.

Efforts to address the consequences of chemical agents/dioxin continue to be treated by the province as a long-term humanitarian priority. Although Quang Tri is not a major hotspot for dioxin contamination in soil, the human impact remains profound, with many individuals suffering from long-lasting effects across generations. The province has determined that the remediation of chemical agent/dioxin consequences should be approached from a humanitarian perspective, closely integrated with healthcare, education, poverty reduction, and rural development policies, rather than being viewed solely as an isolated technical issue.

At the same time, coordination capacity, information management, and quality management have been steadily strengthened. The Quang Tri Mine Action Center (QTMAC) has gradually improved its information management and quality management systems in line with national and international standards, accelerated the application of digital technologies, and enhanced transparency, effectiveness, and accountability. These efforts reflect Quang Tri’s commitment to developing a model of best practice in international cooperation on post-war remediation, thereby further strengthening the province’s credibility and standing among donors and international partners.

Building on the achievements of the 2021-2025 period and drawing from practical experience in addressing the consequences of landmines and chemical agents/dioxin, Quang Tri Province has identified key priorities for the 2026-2030 period. These include strengthening and fully promoting the responsibility and engagement of the entire political system in mine action across the province; continuing to place people and community safety at the center, and regarding mine action and dioxin remediation as integral components of sustainable development; enhancing the province’s coordinating role through the operational mechanisms of the Provincial Steering Committee to ensure scientific, effective, and efficient management and use of both domestic and international resources; and orienting the development of the Quang Tri Mine Action Center into a model institution for training, coordination, and data sharing, serving as a hub for disseminating experience and best practices to other localities.

Source: Department of International Cooperation

View the Vietnamese version at https://sngv.quangtri.gov.vn/de/chi-tiet-tin/-/view-article/1/442011382601115302/1766659363905

Author: Đình Ân

Translator: Bảo Ngọc