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 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 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.
"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
Chue 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.
