Brightening up the future for dioxin victims

Permanent vice-chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation Phạm Tất Thắng and the Việt Nam Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin Chairman Nguyễn Hữu Chính take group photo with outstanding organisations and individuals in and outside the country in support of the victims. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Hiếu

HÀ NỘI — An art and exchange programme titled “Brightening up the future” was held in Hà Nội on Thursday night to commend Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims who have overcome difficulties for a stable life, and honour outstanding organisations and individuals in and outside the country in support of the victims.

Jointly held by the Việt Nam Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin (VAVA) Central Committee, the office of the standing board of the National Steering Committee on Overcoming Post-War Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences, and the Army Radio-Television Centre, the programme aims to mark the 63 years of the AO disaster in Việt Nam (August 10, 1961 – 2024), the Day for AO/Dioxin Victims (August 10), and the 20th founding anniversary of the VAVA (2000-2024).

From 1961-1971, US troops sprayed more than 80 million litres of herbicides – 44 million litres of which were AO, containing around 366kg of dioxin – over southern Việt Nam.

As a result, around 4.8 million Vietnamese have been exposed to the toxic chemical, with about 3.2 million victims.

VAVA Chairman Lieut. Gen. Nguyễn Hữu Chính stressed that AO victims are the poorest among the poor, and the most disadvantaged among the disadvantaged. Most victims and their families are facing many difficulties and shortages, both materially and spiritually.

Therefore, there is a great need for the collective efforts of society and the support of the international community in healing the wounds of war and alleviating the pain caused by Agent Orange, Chính said, adding that every act of assistance and sharing is a significant contribution to ensuring that no victim across the country is left behind.

Through reports and exchanges, the programme offered the audience an insight into the severe consequences of chemical toxins used during the war in Việt Nam. It underscores the concern and efforts of the Party, State, political system, and the VAVAs at all levels, as well as the support and assistance from domestic and foreign donors in addressing the aftermath of chemical toxins, caring for and helping victims, and seeking justice for them.

At the event, the organising board received support from organisations, individuals, and the audience nationwide, and international friends. The VAVA is mobilising support through two ways: by scanning a QR code or transferring money to account number 1961 at the Military Bank (MB Bank), via the account ‘Việt Nam Fund for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin’; or by scanning a QR code for donations through the VTC e-wallet. — VNS