Bounmy's statement, Regional Conference on the Promotion and Universalization of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Bali, Indonesia, 16 November 2009
By Stephanie Castanie on Monday, November 16 2009, 14:40 - Statements - Permalink
Vijak Bounmy, Ban Advocate, Lao PDR
© Mary Wareham
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
My name is Bounmy. I am a cluster munition survivor coming from Lao PDR.
One morning in 1996, I was digging the ground. Suddenly, a cluster submunition exploded. Villagers heard the explosion and they came to see me and brought me home.
When my parents saw me, they were devastated and they thought that I was dead. But I felt such a pain and I cried out. At this time, my parents and my relatives realized that I was still alive. Then they transported me to the hospital. It took about 2 hours to get there.
Doctors did not have any other choice to cut off my arm.
When I returned home, I felt hopeless. I had to face so many difficulties. I felt depressed and I wanted to kill myself.
I was not able to work and to help my family. My friends had gone.
I have been encouraged by my family, whom take care of me. Thanks to this support, I decided to continue to study, and to follow vocational training. Now I have a motivating job. But I know that many cluster munition survivors do not have work.
My country already signed and ratified the Treaty, and I hope other affected countries will follow that example.
Vijak Bounmy
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