WLWG Mission
The war the United States waged in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia did not end for the people living there when the shooting stopped in 1975. Explosive bombs and mines stand in the way of using affected land for productive economic purposes. The legacy of Agent Orange (AO) and other dioxins continues to impact many tens of thousands born with disabilities, including American veterans and their families The war’s consequences continue to shadow these countries through ongoing impacts to human health, sustainable development, and the safety and well-being of families in former war zones. Addressing these consequences of war is not just the humanitarian thing to do, it also creates opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships with our former enemies. Such initiatives sustain peace, provide pathways for livelihood development, and improve diplomatic and economic ties.
“For over 30 years, I’ve dedicated my life to addressing the legacies of war in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia—what I believe is a moral obligation. This is America’s unfinished business, its responsibility, much like the post-World War II efforts that helped rehabilitate Europe and Japan. Yes, progress has been made in the 50 years since the war ended, but so much remains to be done. Together with the WLWG, I look forward to continuing this important work to ensure the U.S. plays a role in healing and mitigating the impacts of the war.”
Susan Hammond, Executive Director of War Legacies Project:
“As a child in Laos, I witnessed my father operate on countless victims of UXO accidents and my mother alter clothing for children who have lost a limb. Today, I am honored to continue this legacy and advocate for continued U.S. funds to support clearance efforts, victims assistance and explosive ordnance risk education.”
Sera Koulabdara, CEO Legacies of War
“We started the WLWG back in 2018 as a way to bring together the passionate people working to save lives in mainland Southeast Asia and forge deeper ties between the United States and Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It was the honor of a lifetime to serve as chair for six years and work with this remarkable group. Susan and Sera will bring decades of expertise and positive change to our efforts and take the WLWG to new horizons.”
Brian Eyler, Stimson Center Southeast Asia Program Director
Looking Forward
This year is not only the 50th anniversary of the end of the American War in Vietnam but also marks the 50th year since the largest refugee resettlement in U.S. history as people fled the war in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. In 2025, we also celebrate the 30th anniversary since the normalization of bilateral relations between the U.S. and Vietnam, and the 40th anniversary of U.S.-Laos collaboration in recovering U.S. personnel who are Missing in Action. This year also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Laos relations.
Since 1993, The U.S. has contributed over $830M to address explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. U.S. funding to address the health and environmental impacts of AO in Vietnam has totaled $65 million, including $30 million to support people with disabilities in areas where AO was used and to help victims of ERWs. Since 2022, the US has allocated $1.5 million a year to Laos for people with disabilities in areas where Agent Orange was used. Currently, no funding has been allocated to Cambodia to address AO related issues. US aid to this sector has been frozen effective immediately as of January 26 as the new presidential administration undergoes a review of all foreign policy efforts. The WLWG will continue to convene, further develop resources guided by our experts and advocate for greater funding and attention to address and resolve the legacies of war and support U.S. interests and constructive relationships with key partners.
Without financial support, our collective efforts will not be possible, and we risk losing vital achievements thus far. Additionally, continued U.S. government funding for crucial humanitarian demining efforts and AO remediation initiatives in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam is in peril of being cut. The momentum is undeniable, and the work ahead is crucial.
We invite you to learn more and make a gift of any amount to support our collective efforts.
