The U.S. government’s 90-day suspension of foreign aid has forced Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) to lay off 1,700 employees, cutting its global workforce nearly in half. The move is having severe consequences for demining operations in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, where NPA plays a key role in clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) left from past conflicts.
In Vietnam’s Quang Tri Province, where NPA works alongside organizations such as Mines Advisory Group and PeaceTrees Vietnam, the suspension has put approximately 1,000 UXO clearance workers at risk of losing their jobs. Quang Tri remains one of the most heavily bombed areas from the Vietnam War, making continued demining efforts crucial for community safety and economic development.
The aid freeze also impacts NPA’s operations in Laos and Cambodia, two other countries heavily affected by wartime UXO contamination. NPA has been a key partner in removing landmines and cluster munitions, ensuring safe land for farming and development. The sudden funding cut has forced the organization to pause clearance activities, delaying progress in making these areas mine-free.
U.S. funding crucial to Norwegian-led demining efforts
NPA had received 460 million Norwegian crowns ($41.05 million) from the U.S. State Department in 2024 to support its mine clearance programs in conflict-affected countries. The suspension now affects more than 40% of its demining budget, leading to mass layoffs and operational shutdowns.
Raymond Johansen, Secretary General of NPA, warned that the funding halt could undo years of progress in global demining efforts.
“Freezing support for mine and explosive ordnance disposal not only slows down current activities. It will delay and, in the worst-case scenario, could reverse the enormous progress that the world, led by the United States, has made to combat these beastly weapons,” Johansen said.
The aid freeze has also affected the Norwegian Refugee Council, which has announced suspensions of humanitarian activities in nearly 20 countries.
Uncertain future for mine clearance in Southeast Asia
In Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, where UXO clearance remains a life-saving necessity, the suspension of U.S. aid raises concerns over the long-term sustainability of demining programs. Local authorities and international partners are calling for alternative funding solutions to ensure that essential clearance work can continue.
The Norwegian government and other international donors may now need to step up efforts to bridge the funding gap, ensuring that the region’s hard-fought progress in mine clearance is not lost.
Read more about the situation here.
