Vietnam continues to grapple with the devastating legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left behind by the Vietnam War, which ended nearly five decades ago. From the perspective of Vietnamese authorities, about 18 percent of the country’s land is still polluted with these dangerous explosives. This pollution has led to approximately 100,000 deaths, of which 40,000 are fatalities, since the war ended in 1975.
Perhaps the most poignant illustration of just how long this legacy of explosives continues to affect lives is the case of Ho Van Lai. When Lai was only 10 years old, his life was changed forever after accidentally detonating a cluster munition while playing as a child. That same explosion cost him both of his legs and destroyed one of his eyes. This harrowing experience has deeply influenced his own life and purpose ever since.
Lai tells his traumatic tale at the Mine Action Visitor Centre. There, he instructs young Vietnamese students on the risks of unexploded ordnance (UXO) as part of a risk-education program run by Da Nang’s Welcome House. His experiences highlight an essential truth that we must all acknowledge. Today, the remnants of this war still threaten communities in Vietnam on a daily basis.
The Scale of Contamination
Vietnam’s struggle with unexploded ordnance is immense. According to EPA estimates, one-fifth of the nation’s land is contaminated, stalling agricultural expansion and infrastructure improvement projects. As long as the presence of UXO hinders public safety, the economic growth of the area is effectively shut down. Without careful planning, projects may be interrupted or run up increased costs as a result of large-scale clearance operations.
Sarah Goring directs the Vietnam program for the Mine Advisory Group (MAG). Her closing message is that we need to act now, more than ever. “We’re trying to clear the priority areas. So the patterns of where people work, where people live,” she said. This proactive approach is designed to address risks before kids play and communities thrive.
In most instances, these clearance efforts are essential precursors to new construction projects. As Goring explains, “Maybe they’re building a new kindergarten and we go and clear it before they build.” Strengthening this preventative measure is essential to the safety and development of communities nationwide.
A Legacy of Loss and Resilience
Here Ho Van Lai reflects on his fateful encounter with explosives as an instance of childish adventurism. “I was just a 10-year-old boy, I was reckless,” he reflects. He survived the blast but was permanently affected, physically and psychologically. In total he lost his right hand, right arm, part of his left hand, legs, and one eye, and incurred deep physical and emotional scars.
In the wake of these devastating losses, Lai has channeled her pain into something much more powerful—a movement to save lives. “I’ve been doing quite meaningful work to prevent harmful accidents,” he asserts. These days, he’s inspired by the power of his own knowledge to teach, uplift, and make the world a better place. “I feel I am living as a helpful person to society now,” he adds.
Students from across the world are inspired by Lai’s story, as they learn from his experiences at the Cambodia’s Mine Action Visitor Centre. His commitment to risk education serves as a reminder of the necessity for community awareness to prevent future victims of UXO.
Global Implications and Future Challenges
The legacy of unexploded ordnance stretches beyond just Vietnam. According to Sabina Stein from the United Nations Development Program, many more countries will face the same issues. At the same time, they need to maneuver through the fallout of previous wars. “It’s going to be the reality for an increasing number of countries that have experienced such intensive bomb campaigns,” she stated, referencing regions like Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine.
Stein highlights the scale of the issue by noting that “we’re talking about a landmass roughly the size of the state of Tasmania that is still contaminated.” This global legacy of unexploded ordnance continues to endanger millions and underscores a clear need for international collaboration and dedication to demining operations.
Both Goring and Stein are inspired by the resilience of the Vietnamese people in the face of adversity. Goring observes, “Despite the legacy of the war and that it continues to impact people today, they are so positive and so about moving forward and making the best of a situation.” This resilience is crucial to fostering a longer, independent, and safer future for communities impacted by UXO.
