Fifty years after the end of the Vietnam War, the threat of unexploded U.S. landmines continues to plague Vietnam and Laos. A recent foreign aid freeze,implemented on January 20 by the Trump administration,has triggered a stop-work order for numerous U.S.-funded programs, including vital demining initiatives in Laos. This freeze raises concerns about the safety and well-being of local communities, as these programs are essential for clearing areas contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO).

The consequences of this abrupt halt have been immediate. As the freeze, there have been four accidents involving unexploded ordnance, resulting in six injuries and three deaths, including the tragic loss of a 15-year-old girl. These casualties serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers posed by the remnants of a war that ended over half a century ago. The presence of UXO not only endangers lives but also hinders economic advancement and restricts access to essential resources.

While a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze foreign aid spending on February 13, the impact of the freeze continues to be felt. Local officials report that deminers in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia remain unable to resume their work, as they are still bound by the administration’s orders. this delay is exacerbating the risks faced by communities living in contaminated areas. The situation is particularly dire as U.S.-supported demining teams are currently barred from operating equipment and vehicles funded by U.S. grants.

Even though a waiver was issued this month allowing $6.36 million to resume flowing to Cambodia through November 2025, the damage caused by the initial halt is already evident. A recent accident claimed the lives of two toddlers, highlighting the urgent need for continued demining efforts. This incident underscores the vulnerability of children in these regions, who are often unaware of the dangers posed by UXO.

In Vietnam, the stop-work order affects approximately 1,000 demining operators. The situation in Laos is equally alarming. Over the past two weeks, local authorities have received more than 100 calls to the clearance hotline. Despite having nearly 4,000 deminers in Laos, none are permitted to respond due to the executive order. This leaves communities vulnerable and increases the risk of untrained villagers attempting to handle explosives on their own.

The impact extends beyond demining efforts. Children in Vietnam with disabilities, including those suffering from exposure to agent Orange, have had their daily rehabilitation services suspended. These services, funded by USAID, are crucial for maintaining mobility and developmental progress.Without continued therapy, these children face the risk of muscle stiffness and developmental setbacks. Agent Orange, a defoliant used during the Vietnam War, continues to cause severe health problems for generations of Vietnamese people.

For decades, U.S. programs have played a critical role in addressing the lasting legacies of war in Southeast Asia. These efforts have not only saved lives and supported vulnerable communities but have also fostered diplomatic progress. As stated in an open letter,foreign aid is not merely charity but a strategic investment for our country, enhancing safety,economic stability,and bilateral cooperation.

one of the initial priorities for the U.S. was the recovery of Americans missing in action (MIA). This effort began in 1985, with the first investigative team sent to Pakse, Laos, to recover the remains of 13 servicemen from a 1972 military plane crash. Over the years, these recovery missions expanded, and to date, the U.S. has recovered 1,046 of the 2,634 MIAs in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This collaborative effort has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in the region.

This collaboration on MIAs paved the way for addressing the challenges of unexploded ordnance and Agent Orange. Despite the complexities, critically important progress has been made in addressing the impacts of the estimated 13 million tons of explosive remnants of war that have resulted in nearly 200,000 casualties as the end of the war. The sheer volume of UXO underscores the magnitude of the challenge.

Laos, in particular, has suffered immensely, with over 2.5 million tons of ordnance dropped, surpassing the combined total dropped on Germany and Japan during World War II. This makes Laos the most bombed country per capita in the world, yet less than 10% of these deadly remnants have been cleared. The ongoing presence of UXO continues to impede development and endanger lives.

In 1989, USAID launched its first post-war humanitarian initiative through the Leahy War Victims Fund, providing prosthetics to former veterans of the south Vietnam Army and civilians who had been injured.In 1993,the U.S. expanded its efforts,funding clearance teams for humanitarian demining to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance from villages in Vietnam,Laos,and Cambodia. This cleared land for essential infrastructure such as farmland,schools,homes,and hospitals.

Recognizing that nearly half of the casualties where children, USAID and the State Department began funding educational programs in schools, teaching children about the dangers of unexploded ordnance. These mine action efforts have led to a significant reduction in casualties. In Laos, casualties decreased from 300 before 2008 to 60 or fewer over the past decade. The U.S. has funded programs in more than 125 countries, becoming the largest provider of humanitarian demining worldwide.

The issue of Agent Orange, onc a contentious topic, has evolved into a collaborative effort between the U.S.and Vietnam. The U.S., through USAID and other agencies, has invested in dioxin remediation at former military bases and funded medical care and rehabilitation for Vietnamese individuals with severe disabilities living in contaminated areas. Similar initiatives had begun in Laos, but the aid freeze has halted these efforts, perhaps leaving a generation of children without critical support.

The situation in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia demonstrates that strategic use of foreign aid can save lives and foster reconciliation. Eliminating USAID specialists with decades of expertise and stripping services from the most vulnerable puts lives at risk.

Since 1989, the U.S.has invested just over $1.5 billion in addressing UXO, Agent Orange, and war-related disabilities in Southeast Asia. This amount is roughly equivalent to the cost of six days of fighting during the Vietnam War. The relatively small investment has yielded significant humanitarian benefits.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the American War in Vietnam, the 30th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral relations between the U.S.and Vietnam, the 40th anniversary of U.S.-Laos collaboration in recovering U.S. MIAs, and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations.These ties have been built through healing the wounds of war and fostering peace and prosperity. The current situation risks undermining these gains and sending a negative message about America’s commitment to its partners.

The hope is that Secretary Rubio will ensure that the already-committed foreign aid is reinstated to prevent the loss of decades of progress and trust.