In 2024, the RENEW/NPA Project achieved significant milestones in the field of humanitarian mine action in Quảng Trị Province. The technical survey teams successfully completed surveys in 690 villages authorized for operations as of April 16, 2023. Based on data collected during these surveys, RENEW/NPA undertook clearance activities in confirmed hazardous areas within Gio Linh and Vĩnh Linh districts, clearing a total of 11.69 square kilometers. During these operations, 4,086 explosive items were detected and safely destroyed. Additionally, the project handled 366 explosive ordnance tasks assigned by QTMAC, resulting in the safe destruction of 539 explosive items. These efforts contributed to ensuring public safety and facilitating socio-economic development activities in line with the province's plans. NPA also actively supported VNMAC and USARPAC in conducting training courses for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) levels 1, 2, and 3 in compliance with IMAS international standards. Furthermore, the project organized advanced medical training for staff and collaborated with MAG and PTVN to conduct EOD level 3 training, enhancing the local workforce's capacity. The program restructured its operational teams, maintaining 15 clearance teams and one mobile explosive ordnance disposal team, optimizing resources for clearance activities.

The component “Victim/Disability Support & Mine Risk Education to Facilitate Survey and Clearance Activities” continued its efforts to assist persons with disabilities and raise community awareness about mine risks. Key activities included: 

- Support for Persons with Disabilities: Providing prosthetics, rehabilitation services, and essential items for families with disabled members; supporting rehabilitation centers and local blind associations; and organizing communication campaigns to raise awareness about disability laws.

- Mine Risk Education: Conducting public awareness campaigns on mine accident prevention and updating information in QTMAC’s mine action database.

- Cultural, Sports, and Artistic Activities: Creating safe and engaging environments for students, particularly during the summer, through cultural, recreational, and sports programs.

The total project budget disbursed in 2024 was $4,006,730, exceeding targets with a disbursement rate of 113.58%. In which, the Survey and Clearance Program disbursed $3,660,998, exceeding its target with 115% of the planned budget utilized. The Mine Risk Education Program successfully disbursed $138,190, achieving 100% of its allocated budget. The Victim Assistance and Disability Support Program disbursed $207,542, also meeting 100% of its planned budget allocation. This funding has directly improved public safety and promoted socioeconomic development in Quảng Trị.

At the meeting, representatives from the Provincial Police, the Provincial Military Command, and other delegates actively discussed and proposed solutions to overcome challenges and obstacles encountered during the project’s implementation. The suggestions were not only aimed at addressing current issues but also focused on creating a more effective plan for the next phase.

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Bien, Standing Deputy Head of the RENEW/NPA Steering Committee of Quang Tri Province, acknowledged and commended the efforts and achievements of the specialists, staff, and workers involved in the programs and projects throughout 2024. He emphasized that the Department of Foreign Affairs has been proactively proposing that the Provincial People’s Committee petition the Central Ministries and agencies to resolve the value-added tax refund issues for the project.

Mr. Bien urged NPA to continue its close collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs in advising the Provincial People’s Committee to mobilize funding from the U.S. Department of State for surveying additional permitted villages and expanding the quality management teams at the Quang Tri Mine Action Center (QTMAC). He also suggested that the NPA expedite the completion of project documentation for the next phase, ensuring adherence to current regulations and minimizing approval timelines.

To effectively implement activities in 2025, Mr. Bien underscored the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders. He called on all units to enhance information sharing and timely coordination to ensure comprehensive quality and effectiveness in managing the programs. These concerted efforts are expected to safeguard the community in Quảng Trị and contribute to achieving the province’s sustainable socio-economic development goals./.

Source: International Cooperation Division