Goto main content

Chue Por, injured by a landmine at the age of 18

Explosive weapons
Laos

Chue Por lost his arm in a landmine explosion. With the support of HI, he is regaining his mobility.

Photo of Chue Por Vang in Laos.

Portrait of Chue Por Vang in Laos. | © Natalia Lozano / HI

Chue Por was 18 years old when, while fishing with friends, he pulled a landmine out of the water. It exploded in his hand.

The consequences of his accident

The accident happened in January 2007 in the village of Houayhou in Houaphan province, northeastern Laos. Chue Por was rushed to hospital where the doctors were forced to amputate his arm. His family had to sell all their livestock and borrow money from their neighbours to save his life. They were left in poverty.

Chue Por dropped out of school after his amputation because he felt too dependent and different from his friends. But he could no longer work on his parents' farm or find other any work to help support his family. 

HI provides rehabilitation and training

HI identifies Chue Por in 2019. The association refers him to a rehabilitation center where he is fitted with a prosthesis.

"Thanks to HI, I am supported both physically and psychologically." 

Chue Por

Today, Chue Por is receiving training to become a volunteer in his village and support people with mental health issues. He also participates in HI's inclusion activities to help these people find their place community. Today, Chue Por grows rice and beans to sell.

Chue Por rediscovers a taste for life

"Today I can clearly see the positive changes in my life: I am happy to be with my family and to look after my cattle.”   

Chue Por

Portrait of Chue PorChue Por is now engaged in advocacy for the Mine Ban Treaty, the Cluster Munitions Convention and other international frameworks to prevent the use of explosive remnants of war and mines.

Date published: 23/01/23

COUNTRIES

Where we work

Read more

Explosive Devices are everywhere
© HI
Explosive weapons Rehabilitation

Explosive Devices are everywhere

Yusuf is 15. He was injured by an exploded ordnance while he was out herding sheep. In Yemen, contamination by explosive ordnance is a constant danger for everyone.

Gloria’s mission, humanitarian demining in Colombia
© T. Mayer / HI
Explosive weapons

Gloria’s mission, humanitarian demining in Colombia

In the lush mountains of San Mateo, the courageous Gloria is helping to remove landmines and bring peace and security to local communities.

"There is a reason landmines were banned. And it hasn’t changed."
© Tom Nicholson / HI
Explosive weapons

"There is a reason landmines were banned. And it hasn’t changed."

On International Mine Awareness Day 2025, George Graham, Chief Executive of Humanity & Inclusion UK, explains why we should be celebrating the lives saved by the Mine Ban Treaty and redoubling our commitment to the fight against mines.

FOLLOW US