(VOV) -Despite the conflict ending in 1971 – four decades on – Vietnamese are still suffering from the devastating effects of Agent Orange sprayed on crops, plants and trees by US military forces.
Sen. Lieut. General Ngo Xuan Lich, Chief of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) General Political Department, made the statement on July 30 during a working session with the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) representatives.
“VAVA has set up offices in 59 provinces nationwide with more than 325,000 members in total,” he said.
“Over the past forty some odd years, the Party, State and Government of Vietnam have offered numerous incentives for social policy beneficiaries, including victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin.”
VAVA has received international advocacy support from over 500 organizations and individuals from 30 countries and territories around the globe for Vietnam’s lawsuit pending in the courts against 37 US chemical companies, who produced and provided chemicals for the US military’s use during the war, he said.
Despite opposition from the courts, Vietnamese lawyers and international friends are also avidly demanding the US Government take on the humanitarian responsibility for cleaning up the environment in Vietnam and provide assistance and healthcare services for Agent Orange/Dioxin victims.
Annually, the Defence Ministry cooperates with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and other social organizations to grant aid to war veterans and families of those who rendered great service to the nation during the wartime.
Lich asked VAVA to continue helping Agent Orange/Dioxin victims stabilize their lives and struggle for justice while seeking retribution under international law.
On the occasion, the Defence Ministry also provided VND8 billion in support of VAVA and its efforts to help the victims of the deadly toxic overcome the consequences.
Đăng ký: VietNam News