Due to technical difficulties I will not be updating this site until I have returned to the UK. Unfortunately my computer was smashed during transit, so editing photos has become an impossible task. My portable harddrive is not being read in any PC (only my smashed mac) when I do reach a city internet cafe so I am unable to upload any of my photographs. In addition to this, in many of the areas I am visiting I can’t receive phone signal for the local sim card nevermind have the luxury of internet access!
Currently I am in Hanoi waiting to get my camera fixed so i can continue with the final stages of my project, hence an opportunity to update the blog. I would just like to inform everyone that I am still working and will update this blog as soon as I have a base so please sit tight and check in four weeks.
In the last three months I have traveled around Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos documenting the devasating effects that UXO, in particular cluster munitions, continue to have on the people of these countries.
The stories of those who have lived through and survived the American carpet bombings from 1964-75 are harrowing enough, the next generation of children that continue to be killed and maimed 30 years since the bombings have ceased makes the continuing legacy of the war more difficult to digest.
Each country is tackling the issue very differently, with laws, legislations and policies dealing with UXO sometimes alternating between each province.
In meeting with various NGOs, government representatives, villagers, survivors of UXO accidents and families of victims that weren’t so fortunate, one thing that remains apparent in each country, each province, each contaminated village, clearing the land of these ghastly weapons alone is not enough.
It is no coincidence that the areas most heavily contaminated with UXOs are areas that are living below the poverty line. Contamination and the continuing struggle of survivors in these areas stunts any socio-economic growth to see the countries enter the developed world.
During my studies I have come to realise just how complicated the situation throughout these areas are and it is our responsibility in the international community to ensure that the basics of human rights are provided for the children whos lives continue to be cruelly inflicted with the hangover’s of a war that they don’t understand. NGOs continue to work alongside governments and have some fantastic projects in place, but they need our support. The western world is not the only victim fastened in the clutches of the depressing economic climate. Funding for charities who’s work is imperative in these countries is quickly being withdrawn to safehold our own economies. It is our responssibility to provide for those who rely on external help to survive.
Adequate healthcare needs to reach those that have survived UXO accidents (often in remote areas). Children who have either personally survived explosions or who have a survivor in the family need to be granted the implements to ensure a fair education and those who risk life and limb to collect scrap metal to provide for their families need to be provided with safer opportunities.
It is imperative for the lands to be cleared to provide a safer environment for those who have survived the most publicised war in history in Vietnam, to those who continue to live with the legacy of ‘The Secret War’ in Cambodia and Laos.
Please re-check the blog to see a detailed account when I can return to the technological world! Each account will be posted on the ‘pages’ option at the right side of the screen.
Thank you.
