Unexploded cluster submunitions are among the deadliest legacies of the war. Known locally as “bombies,” these tennis ball-sized bomblets are filled with thumb tack-sized pieces of metal that disperse upon detonation, frequently causing civilian injuries and deaths.

The Convention on Cluster Munitions will become binding international law on 1 August 2010 after reaching 30 ratifications in February. Vietnam’s neighbor, Lao PDR, which suffered the effects of the same war and is the most heavily cluster-bombed country in the world, has been a leader on the treaty and is hosting the First Meeting of States Parties to the convention in November. However, Vietnam has yet to sign the Convention. As the Cluster Munition Coalition counts down to the Convention’s entry into force, we’re urging affected countries like Vietnam to join the treaty without delay.

As the Cluster Munition Coalition counts down to the Convention’s entry into force, we’re urging affected countries like Vietnam to join the treaty without delay.

Audio Slideshow

“Burden of fear: Cluster bombs in Vietnam” is a three-part audio slideshow highlighting the impact on civilians of Vietnam’s deadly legacy of unexploded cluster submunitions.

Part 1 - At home: Nguyen Thi Cuc’s story

Part 2 - At work: Le Van Thang's story

Part 3 - At play: Ho Van Ly's story

“Burden of Fear” reporting and production by Daysha Eaton. Photos by Amanda Koster.

*The Convention on Cluster Munitions was signed by 94 countries at the Oslo Signing Conference in December 2008, and will enter into force on 1 August 2010, after 30 states ratified it by 16 February 2010. The CMC urges as many states as possible to get in on the ground floor of the Convention by signing or ratifying this year - there will never be a better time to join the treaty.