Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA)– Top priority should be given to creating new livelihood for victims ofwar-era unexploded ordnance (UXO) to help them return to normal life, said anofficial from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA).
Addressing theMoLISA-hosted workshop on June 22 on international cooperation in support forvictims of wartime UXOs in Vietnam, Doan Huu Minh from the Department of SocialAssistance noted that simple livelihoods like craft, sewing and breeding shouldbe prioritized.
In addition, Vietnamneeds to continue calling for support from international organisations to meetthe victims’ demand in healthcare, orthopedics and rehabilitation, Minh said.
International support is also needed in delivering consultation services andconnecting the victims with local authorities who have social policies toassist those from difficult backgrounds, he stressed.
Secretary General ofthe Vietnam Association for Supporting UXO/Mine Action Efforts Phan Duc Tuansaid most of the UXO victims are farmers and breadwinners living underdifficult circumstances.
They are given supportpolicies designed exclusively for the poor but they lack developmental skillsand economic opportunities, he explained, pointing to their differentbackgrounds, occupations and labour skills.
These factors shouldbe taken into account while designing livelihood support for them, he stressed.
Meanwhile, Luu HongSon from the MoLISA underlined the significance of public communication in howto recognise UXO risks and provide first aid for the UXO victims as well asefforts of the government to cope with the UXO aftermaths.
Serif Bajric fromthe Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) said the NPA has coordinated with the VietnamNational Mine Action Centre to implement a project for the management of UXOvictim database in central Quang Tri province which is expected to aid relevantparties in planning and designing support for the victims.
The workshop sharedinformation on support for UXO victims in the fields of healthcare,rehabilitation, public services and policymaking, discussed data collection onthe victims, and sought to increase communication on how to cope withaftermaths of leftover mines and bombs in Vietnam.-VNA
VNA
