All dioxin victims should gain access to support policies: President

President Tran Dai Quang has required ministries and localities to coordinate closely with the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) to ensure all victims enjoy the support policies of the Party and State, as well as support

President Tran Dai Quang has required ministries and localities to coordinate closely with the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) to ensure all victims enjoy the support policies of the Party and State, as well as support their fight for justice.

The State leader made the request in Hanoi on July 12 at his meeting with dioxin victims and delegates who are attending the third national “For AO victims” congress. 

He urged that communications be intensified to encourage Vietnamese people from all walks of life and international organisations and countries worldwide to respond to movements and campaigns in support of AO victims. 

The leader called on all individuals and organisations worldwide to take action to prevent chemical warfare and help Vietnamese dioxin victims in their fight for justice. 

At the meeting, the President also spoke highly of efforts made by the VAVA and its all-level chapters to support the victims.

The VAVA has to date collected VND1.15 trillion (US$51.5 million) from both domestic and foreign donors to build houses for dioxin victims, help them in production and provide scholarships for their children.

The third national “For AO victims” congress is taking place in Hanoi on July 12-13 with the participation of 300 delegates, and is one of the activities being held in response to the 55th anniversary of the Day for Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims (August 10, 1961-2016). 

About 80 million litres of toxic chemicals, mainly Agent Orange containing dioxin, were sprayed over the south of Vietnam during 1961-1971. Nearly 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to the chemicals and about three million people and their descendants suffer from health problems as a consequence of the exposure.