Vietnam

In 2022, more than 51km² of cluster munition-contaminated area was cleared by international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), an increase on output the previous year. Furthermore, the 132.7km² confirmed as contaminated with CMR in 2022 was a 66% increase on the amount confirmed during the previous year. The Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC) continued efforts to strengthen coordination of mine action in Vietnam, with several key achievements in 2022, most notably the approval of new regulations on information management and the revised National Technical Regulations (QCVNs).

The Cluster Munition Remnant Survey (CMRS), for all accessible areas, was completed in Quang Tri province. This is the first time that the level of cluster munition remnant (CMR) contamination within a whole province has been recorded and mapped.

All data sets have now been standardised and combined into one consolidated Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) database. In another positive development, in April 2022, the Mine Action Working Group (MAWG) established sub-task forces focused on capacity development, gender, and the environment, among others.

• Vietnam should accede to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) as a matter of priority.
• In collaboration with implementing partners, VNMAC should set a strategy to enhance understanding of the extent of CMR contamination, with a view to establishing a nationwide baseline of CMR contamination. As part of these efforts, VNMAC should expand non-technical survey (NTS) and technical survey (TS), including use of cluster munition remnant survey (CMRS).
• VNMAC should elaborate and publish annual work plans for CMR, with clear targets for survey and clearance.
• The revision of National Mine Action Standards (TCVNs), in line with IMAS, should be completed as soon as possible.

Click here to download the full "Clearing Cluster Munition Remnants 2023" report for Vietnam.