50 years on: From war’s end to peace in Vietnam
Today, on April 30th, Vietnam marks 50 years since the end of the war.
This national holiday, known as Reunification Day (Ngày Thống Nhất), signifies the end of decades of conflict and the beginning of an era of peace and recovery.
While Vietnam has transformed itself over the past 50 years, the enduring legacy of war remains deeply embedded in the landscape.
Read the stories of the people leading the way to a safer Vietnam
Ninh's Story
Among those leading the clearance efforts is Ninh, a Mine Action Team Lead from Quang Tri. His commitment is deeply personal:
"When I was six, my 12-year-old brother was killed by an unexploded bomb he found on his way home from school. In the years that followed, I was plagued by this loss. When I learned MAG operated in my hometown, I was eager to join their team."
"Since joining MAG in 2015, I have always felt proud to be part of the organisation. Whenever I find and safely remove explosive items at work, my pain is eased. I am committed to doing all I can to ensure that no one else suffers the same tragedy as my family. I have dedicated my life to this mission, and I know my brother would be proud of what I'm doing."
Two large bombs found in Quang Binh
Just last week, our team in Quang Binh safely removed two large bombs from a residential area. These were the 5th and 6th aircraft bombs (each weighing over 230kg) our team has responded to this year alone.
MAG teams in Quang Binh are quick to respond, protecting communities from these deadly remnants.
Since starting operations in Vietnam, MAG has safely destroyed over 400,000 unexploded ordnance items. The work is far from over, but every bomb removed brings us one step closer to a safer future.
Phu, Deminer, Quang Binh
MAG recruits and trains local people to lead the work of clearance and risk education - they are the heart of every safe community.
Their deep knowledge of the land and commitment to protecting their neighbour's make them powerful agents of change.
“Working in this field I understand that how contaminated land is in Vietnam. As a MAG deminer, I do this work because I want to make sure the land is safe, not just for my own children, but for generations to come. It’s all about giving people the chance to live without fear.”
Phu's bravery means that for future generations, Vietnam will be that little bit safer
Each child taught about risks, is a step toward a safer, more hopeful future.
