Vietnam, United States strengthen cooperation to alleviate the pain of Agent Orange/Dioxin
WVR - From August 12-14, within the framework of a working visit to the United States, a delegation from the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA), led by Major General, Associate Professor Dr., People's Doctor Nguyen Hong Son, Vice President of VAVA, and President of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, held meetings with Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Veterans for Peace (VFP), legal experts, and various social organizations in the United States. Also attending the meeting was Colonel Nguyen Duc Quan, Vietnam's Military Attaché to the United Nations.
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The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to directly inform American friends about the long-term consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam and seek support from progressive forces, veterans, legal experts, and youth organizations for efforts to care for Agent Orange/dioxin victims.
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| Major General Nguyen Hong Son and the delegation (second from left) take a photo with Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. (Photo:VNA) |
The delegation engaged in discussions with representatives from organizations such as Viet Left Power, Vietnam Agent Orange Relief & Responsibility Campaign (VAORRC), VietLead, SEAFN, Mekong, and several social and youth organizations in the United States.
Major General Nguyen Hong Son shared the efforts of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in health care, rehabilitation, livelihood support, vocational training, scholarship provision, housing improvement, and protecting the legal rights and interests of the victims.
The delegation also shared a victim-centered approach, not only supporting immediate difficulties but also creating conditions for victims to develop their abilities, confidently integrate into the community, and contribute beneficially to society.
The story of Pham Thi Thu Thuy, an Agent Orange/dioxin victim who overcame adversity to become a teacher in special education, supporting children with disabilities and special educational needs, left a deep and emotional impression on American friends.
During the meeting, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib expressed her continued interest and support for policy advocacy efforts related to those affected by Agent Orange/dioxin and enhancing healthcare for U.S. veterans.
Rashida emphasized the need to expand the support network in the U.S. Congress, strengthen coordination among legislators, VFP, social organizations, and the Asian American community.
The Democratic Congresswoman also noted that promoting youth participation is crucial, helping to spread awareness about the consequences of war, the impact of toxic chemicals on humans and the environment, and the shared responsibility in healing war wounds.
Representatives of U.S. organizations introduced their formation process, operational goals, and action programs aimed at social justice, peace, immigrant rights, and supporting communities affected by war.
The parties agreed on the need to further raise public awareness, especially among the younger generation in the United States, about the severe consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
The discussions highlighted the shared understanding and responsibility among Vietnamese victims, U.S. veterans, legal experts, social organizations, and young people in the Vietnamese community in the United States. This provides an important foundation for expanding humanitarian advocacy activities, promoting legislative initiatives, connecting resources, and building practical support programs for the victims.
Previously, speaking at the VFP National Convention, Major General Nguyen Hong Son expressed appreciation for the companionship of VFP and American friends with VAVA over the years.
He hoped that partners would continue to support health care, rehabilitation, education, livelihood support programs, and improve the quality of life for victims, especially children and adolescents.
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| The delegation meets with progressive American friends. (Photo: VNA) |
The working visit of the Ho Chi Minh City VAVA delegation not only contributed to strengthening friendship, understanding, and people-to-people connections between Vietnam and the United States but also expanded the network of partners for humanitarian, peace, and post-war healing goals.
The trip continues to spread the message of responsibility, compassion, and international cooperation to alleviate the pain of Agent Orange, ensuring that no victims are left behind.
