Senior Lieutenant General Nguyễn Văn Rinh, former President of the Việt Nam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (2018-2023 tenure). VNA/VNS Photo

Can you provide insights into the notable achievements of the Việt Nam Association for Victims of Agent Orange / Dioxin (VAAV) in implementing the Resolution of the 4th Congress, term 2018-2023?

In the 2018-2023 term, VAVA has displayed concerted efforts across all levels to overcome various challenges, successfully achieving the comprehensive goals and tasks outlined by the 4th Congress.

The central association and regional entities, including provinces and cities, have excelled in advising and proposing initiatives to the Party, State, Party Committees, and authorities at all levels. Their focus has been on continuing the implementation of Directive No. 43-CT/TW issued by the Secretariat, aligning with the Party and State's guidelines and policies to address the consequences of toxic chemicals. They also emphasise providing basic and sustainable care and assistance to the victims.

Communication efforts have been intensified through various appropriate and effective channels. The "For Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange" emulation movement, closely associated with the "Action for victims of Agent Orange" campaign initiated by the Central Committee of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front, has been deeply, widely, and effectively deployed.

The entire Party, the entire populace, and the entire political system have engaged in numerous effective and high-quality activities to support victims of toxic chemicals, with resource mobilisation yielding higher results compared to the previous term.

From the term's initiation until November 2023, associations at all levels nationwide have mobilised funds exceeding VNĐ2.27 trillion, inclusive of both monetary contributions and in-kind donations.

Notably, the Agent Orange Victims Fund has been established at the Central Association and across 40 out of 63 provinces and cities, encompassing over 610 districts. Most communes and wards have initiated voluntary funds, reflecting a widespread and proactive approach to addressing the needs of Agent Orange victims.

Activities of the Fund, spanning from the central to grassroots levels, strictly adhere to the Charter and are marked by transparency, public disclosure, and effective management and utilisation.

Throughout the fourth term, the entire Association actively contributed to the construction of Social Protection Centres in provinces and cities, with an investment reaching nearly VNĐ38 billion. Moreover, significant efforts were dedicated to upgrading VAVA's Center and supporting the construction of boarding facilities in provinces and cities, involving a cost of nearly VNĐ36 billion.

To date, the Association oversees 26 Centers, organised into two models. These centres serve as nurturing grounds for close to 1,900 children and have evolved into indispensable "homes" for victims, also functioning as rehabilitation facilities for veteran victims.

The unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims will persist, with the adoption of new forms and measures aligned with the Party and State's perspectives, policies, and foreign policy. This steadfast effort has significantly influenced the awareness of the U.S. Congress and Government. Their increased responsibility is evident in their active involvement in the treatment of residual dioxin at Đà Nẵng Airport and Biên Hòa Airport (Đồng Nai), along with their humanitarian support for people with disabilities, including victims of Agent Orange.

Associations at all levels have embraced innovation, enhancing their roles and responsibilities, genuinely representing the legitimate rights and interests of victims. They have proven to be organisations that promptly address the aspirations of victims, reaffirming their roles and responsibilities within party committees, government structures, and society.

During the term, have there been new developments in the fight for justice for victims and people's diplomacy?

VAVA has consistently focused on directing and effectively implementing activities to fight for justice for victims in alignment with the foreign policy, guidelines, and policies of the Party and State. Simultaneously, close coordination with authorities has been maintained to both engage in the fight and mobilise The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for programmes that give heightened attention to victims of Agent Orange.

The Association has actively engaged with US officials, leveraging forums and participating in international seminars and discussions to articulate requests and suggestions to the US Government and chemical companies.

These efforts aim to hold the US accountable for the victims of Agent Orange, emphasising it as an issue that the US Government must address.

These activities have contributed to a shift in the stance of US authorities toward victims of Agent Orange, resulting in policies and activities directly benefiting those affected, including victims and their families. The Association has expanded the survey of victims in seven provinces and has successfully advocated for the addition of three more provinces to a project supporting people with disabilities, including victims in heavily sprayed provinces.

Furthermore, during Ms. Trần Tố Nga's lawsuit in France (Nga is a Vietnamese French victim of AO), the Association closely collaborated with the French Law Office. It actively campaigned to support Nga in her legal actions against American chemical companies, issuing timely statements supporting the lawsuit and sending open letters to domestic and international organisations and individuals protesting the initial court decision. In the upcoming period, we will continue to stand alongside Nga in her appeal at the Court of Appeal of the city of Paris (France).

In response to the new situation, people's foreign affairs work aligns closely with the Association's tasks. There is an ongoing effort to promptly develop a plan to implement Directive 12-CT/TW dated January 5, 2022, of the Secretariat, focusing on strengthening the Party's leadership, enhancing the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy in the current circumstances.

The Association maintains relationships with traditional friends in the US, France, UK, Japan, Korea, and actively expands connections with government organisations in some countries such as Japan, Belgium, and several other national organisations.

Furthermore, the Association continues to participate in numerous foreign affairs activities, including those of the A and H bomb prevention council in Japan, and the US Institute of Peace. Active involvement in conferences, seminars, discussions, and forums related to overcoming the consequences of war is ongoing.

VAVA has organised several delegations to countries like the US, Japan, and Korea to mobilise help, support, and advocate for justice for victims, garnering international public opinion. Simultaneously, numerous foreign delegations, comprising over 1,000 individuals, have visited Việt Nam to engage with victims, work, and provide assistance.

The United States Agency for International Development is actively implementing a project supporting people with disabilities, including victims of Agent Orange, in heavily sprayed provinces. Additionally, they are undertaking various other projects directly benefitting victims of Agent Orange.

​In the upcoming period, could you outline the key tasks that VAVA will prioritise?

It can be affirmed that the attention of the Party, State, Party committees, and authorities at all levels is a prerequisite for the Association to successfully and excellently fulfil the tasks assigned by the Party and State. Consensus, close coordination, affection, and responsibility for victims from various agencies and units are crucial factors in implementing the Association's central mission of caring for and assisting victims and advocating for their justice.

In the next term, we will persistently implement Directive 43-CT/TW of the Secretariat, actively promoting the emulation movement "For Victims of Agent Orange." We will continue to prioritise attention, care, and assistance to help victims overcome challenges, facilitating their integration into the community with a standard of living equal to the local average. We are committed to preventing victim families from falling back into poverty and ensuring they are not left temporarily displaced or residing in dilapidated homes.

VAVA will further innovate both the content and forms of domestic and international resource mobilisation. We will deploy sponsored projects with a strong emphasis on legal compliance, publicity, and transparency. Our approach will be proactive and dynamic in advocating for justice for victims of Agent Orange, adapting to the new situation and conditions.

Specifically, for activities related to justice for victims, we will supplement and refine the plan to determine goals and a roadmap for fighting for justice for victims and people-to-people diplomacy in the current scenario, which will be submitted to competent authorities for approval.

Furthermore, the Association remains committed to maintaining traditional relationships with international organisations, foreign individuals, and Vietnamese people living abroad. During the development term, we aim to expand our connections to include 5-10 additional international organisations that consistently care for, support, and aid victims in Việt Nam. VNS