Supporting bomb and mine victims in Quang Tri: Cannot "go it alone"

QTO - Attending the workshop summarizing the program "Strengthening support for victims in ASEAN member countries" organized by the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) in Cambodia, Mr. Dinh Ngoc Vu, Deputy Director of the Provincial Mine Action Center (QTMAC) gave an insightful speech about the practice in Quang Tri. Reporters of the Provincial Newspaper and Radio and Television recently had a conversation with Mr. Ngoc Vu after this event.

Bridge to support mine victims

- Reporter: We understand that you have just returned from a conference organized by ARMAC. What do you think is the significance of this conference?

- Mr. Dinh Ngoc Vu: For me, the workshop organized by ARMAC has a very special meaning, not only summarizing the common efforts but also opening up many new directions of cooperation between ASEAN countries in supporting mine victims. I appreciate the way ARMAC creates a space to share practices, models and implementation experiences between countries. This is an opportunity for localities like Quang Tri to learn and connect better with the network of international organizations, experts, sponsors, etc. We are very pleased that QTMAC - the first and only provincial mine action center in Vietnam - was invited to attend and share at this workshop. That demonstrates Quang Tri's pioneering role in the field of humanitarian mine action in general and supporting mine victims in particular.

Mr. Dinh Ngoc Vu, Deputy Director of QTMAC province, awarded certificates of completion of the course and books on identifying bombs, mines and explosives to the students - Photo: NVCC

- Reporter: What are the current advantages and difficulties in supporting mine victims in Quang Tri, sir?

- Mr. Dinh Ngoc Vu: Quang Tri is the province with the most serious bomb and mine contamination in the country. Therefore, the work of supporting bomb and mine victims was included in provincial development strategies quite early. This work has also received the attention and participation of many partners and international organizations, such as: NPA, RENEW, HI, MAG, CRS, PTVN... The early establishment of QTMAC helps the province have a centralized, flexible and effective coordination mechanism. However, the work of supporting bomb and mine victims in the province still has some difficulties, such as: Lack of stable financial resources; the database on bomb and mine victims and people with disabilities has not been updated promptly and completely; the needs assessments are still fragmented... The coordination between international organizations, beneficiaries, grassroots coordinating agencies and donors is sometimes not synchronized.

- Reporter: Overcoming difficulties, what activities have QTMAC and other organizations and projects done to support mine victims?

- Mr. Dinh Ngoc Vu: As a mine action coordination center, we have worked with our partners to coordinate many practical activities, such as: Awarding scholarships to victims and children of mine victims; providing emergency support, providing rehabilitation services, supporting prosthetic limbs; supporting livelihoods... QTMAC coordinates to organize for mine victims to participate in many international and domestic forums, conferences, and seminars. We are gradually preparing data on victims to update the system, helping to improve monitoring and coordination. QTMAC continues to promote its role as a reliable bridge between domestic and international organizations.

- Reporter: What results did that effort bring, sir?

- Mr. Dinh Ngoc Vu: Currently, social awareness of the role of mine victims has changed. Some victims, after being supported, have become inspirational figures, giving strength to others in the same situation. Access to rehabilitation services, livelihoods, etc. has become more convenient for victims. In particular, activities to support mine victims have been integrated into the province's development policies. This success is partly due to the initiative to establish QTMAC, a coordinating agency under the Provincial Mine Action Steering Committee and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Thanks to the support of programs and projects, Mr. Pham Quy Thi, a mine victim, has overcome difficulties and become a propagandist on mine accident prevention - Photo: QH

"Overcoming difficulties" through regional cooperation

- Reporter: What still makes you and your colleagues concerned about the work of supporting victims of bombs and mines?

- Mr. Dinh Ngoc Vu: What we are most concerned about is sustainability. Not all victims can access services continuously and long-term. In addition, the data system on mine victims has not been updated regularly due to lack of budget, making it difficult to assess needs and make overall plans. In addition, support programs are often short-term, dependent on external funding, while the needs of victims are long-term and multidimensional. The lack of specialized human resources in psychological support is also a big gap that needs to be filled.

- Reporter: Given that reality, in your opinion, what is the significance of cooperation with countries in the ASEAN region?

- Mr. Dinh Ngoc Vu: Regional cooperation is a strategic solution. When ASEAN countries share information, successful models and victim needs assessment tools, we will build a stronger support network, especially in resource mobilization. Through ARMAC, localities like Quang Tri have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, etc. and can also contribute lessons. Promoting the establishment of an ASEAN victim support network will be an important step forward in practical and long-term connectivity.

- Reporter: In the coming time, what will QTMAC Quang Tri do to make the work of supporting bomb and mine victims have new developments?

- Mr. Dinh Ngoc Vu: We determined that, first of all, we need to continue to build and develop a unified provincial-level database of mine victims. Along with that, the important task is to coordinate with departments and branches to increase community outreach; proactively coordinate with partners to mobilize resources; promote the participation of victims themselves in the process of designing, monitoring and evaluating support programs... We cannot "go it alone", we will accompany ARMAC and ASEAN countries in sharing experiences, improving capacity and advocating policies at the regional level.

- Reporter: Thank you!

Quang Hiep (performed)

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202509/ho-tro-nan-nhan-bom-min-tai-quang-tri-khong-the-don-thuong-doc-ma-2f84082/