Vietnam remains one of the most contaminated countries in the world, with an estimated 800,000 tons of unexploded bombs leftover from the war that ended more than 40 years ago.

MAG’s ultimate goal in Vietnam is to reduce the risk of landmines and unexploded bombs and release land to support socioeconomic development.

Although a considerable effort has been made by humanitarian organizations and the Vietnamese government, unexploded bombs continue to place communities at risk and restrict access to safe land required for housing, agriculture, infrastructure, and community development.

As a consequence of intense fighting and heavy bombardment during the war, the provinces where MAG works are among the most affected by cluster munitions and other unexploded bombs in Vietnam.

MAG has been clearing unexploded bombs in Vietnam for nearly 20 years, firstly in Quang Tri in 1999 and then expanding to Quang Binh province in 2003.

We encourage members of the community to report dangerous items to MAG’s free hotline number or to MAG’s community liaison teams through village meetings. We can then dispatch teams to clear the items, removing not only the immediate physical danger but relieving the psychological impact on communities as well.

MAG also conducts risk education sessions during village meetings to ensure that communities with unexploded bomb contamination are briefed on how to stay safe.

As a result of MAG’s work, millions of square feet of land have been released to communities for productive use, such as agriculture, schools, medical clinics, roads, community flood protection facilities and many other development projects. MAG supports the Government of Vietnam in achieving its national development goals.

MAG also helps build the capacity of national mine action authorities in areas where we work.