For over 35 years vast numbers of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain hidden in the ground throughout Vietnam. UXO have killed or maimed thousands of people. The poverty and isolation of many of the rural areas where the bombs are buried only increases the risk of harm to people.  The bombs explode when they are accidently encountered and explode when poor farmers and scrap metal hunters attempt to defuse the bombs so they can sell the bomb shell metal to the scrap dealers.

Demining activity is on-going. It is dangerous, slow and costly. At today’s rate, it will take roughly 300 years and $10 billion to remove the UXO in Vietnam.

There is a major public safety drive to educate the population about the dangers of UXO and teach them safety precautions. NGOs such as Peacetrees Vietnam play an important role in this.  It is imperative that children learn about UXO because the majority of accidents happen to people under the age of 30.