Programme held to call for support for AO victims

A programme themed ‘Join Hands to Ease Agent Orange Pain’ was held in Hanoi on October 18 on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the use of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam and the Day for AO victims.

 

The Vietnam Association of Victims of AO/dioxin (VAVA) and its chapters also joined in by providing care and protecting the legitimate rights and benefits of victims, he said.

 

The entire society should continue to take responsibility for caring for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin spiritually and materially to help reduce their suffering, he added.

 

The NA Vice Chairman also underscored that issues relating to product responsibilities held by government contractors and legal responsibilities of the US in using the chemical during its war in Vietnam should also be clearly addressed.

 

On August 10, 1961, United States (US) warplanes began to spray toxic chemicals on 3 million hectares of forest, mountain and fields, and almost 26,000 villages in Vietnam. The US action caused a significant deterioration in the environment and the health of Vietnamese people.

 

As a result, nearly 5 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin, with 3 million of them now suffering from Agent Orange/dioxin related health issues, including numerous children.

 

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)