Among participants included former State President Nguyen Minh Triet, former State Vice President Truong My Hoa, and Tran To Nga - a French national of Vietnamese origin and an AO victim who has spent more than a third of her life seeking justice through international courts.
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Wheelchairs presented to AO victims at the event (Photo: qdnd.vn) |
Leaders of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA), the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the city Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, representatives from ministries, mass organizations, and diplomatic missions from France, the U.S., and the Republic of Korea, along with international NGOs, also attended.
Assoc. Prof., Dr., People’s Doctor, Major General Nguyen Hong Son, Chairman of VAVA's Ho Chi Minh City chapter, noted that despite 64 years since the disaster and 50 years since the war’s end, millions of Vietnamese across generations still suffer serious illnesses and enduring pain, posing great challenges for families and society.
“We cannot change history, but we can shape the future,” he stressed, calling for global compassion and support in the spirit of “Leaving the past behind – Looking towards the future.”
He highlighted that alongside State care, many organizations inside and outside the country, especially overseas Vietnamese, have aided victims. Notably, groups from Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the U.S. Government have supported dioxin cleanup at Bien Hoa, Phu Cat, and Da Nang airports, as well as medical treatment and victim support services.
Son urged more education and communication work in society and international friends on the war’s legacy.
He called on young people in Vietnam, and the U.S., as well as Vietnamese youth living, studying and working abroad to learn about the issue and actively contribute to helping victims.
Son encouraged VAVA to be proactive, creative, and bold, especially in implementing the “Orange Village” project” to address healthcare, education, vocational training, and employment needs.
Among the early participants was Pham Thi Thu Thuy, herself an AO victim, who described the event as meaningful and humane.
She shared her dream of living in an inclusive society. “Even with mobility disabilities, we deserve equal treatment and practical support like wheelchairs or meaningful jobs to help us integrate and maintain mental well-being.”
According to the VAVA chapter in Ho Chi Minh City, around 4.8 million Vietnamese have been exposed to AO. Since 1975, nearly 1 million have died, with over 850,000 second-generation victims, 350,000 third-generation victims, and about 500 fourth-generation victims today.
At the event, VietinBank and PV GAS presented 40 savings books worth 10 million VND (380 USD) each to AO victims.
Kim Dae Jong, Chairman of the International Association for Agent Orange/dioxin Victims in the Republic of Korea, donated 94 million VND. The organizers also provided 20 gift packages (1 million VND each) and 5 wheelchairs, while many individuals and organizations contributed to Ho Chi Minh City’s For AO Victims Fund.
Source: VNA