Senior Lieutenant General Nguyễn Văn Rinh, chairman of Việt Nam Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin, speaks at the launching ceremony. — Photo baodansinh.vn

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin (VAVA) on Tuesday launched a press award for reporting on Agent Orange and efforts to overcome the consequences of toxic chemicals used by US forces during the war in Việt Nam.

The move is part of the activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the use of Agent Orange in Việt Nam, which began on August 10, 1961.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyễn Văn Rinh, VAVA Chairman, said the war ended 45 years ago but more than 3 million Vietnamese still bear its impact.

The use of toxins resulted in millions of Vietnamese children being born deformed. Many people live on contaminated land and malformations have been inherited by third and fourth generations.

The award is open to all professional and amateur journalists, collaborators with domestic news agencies, and overseas Vietnamese.

Entries should be reflections, interviews, comments, treatises, reportage, reports, or investigations in printed newspapers or electronic newspapers written in Vietnamese and used by local press between January 1, 2020, and March 30, 2021.

The content should focus on reflecting on the severe consequences of the US’s chemical war in Việt Nam, praising examples of hardships overcome to integrate into the community, support activities and fighting for justice for AO/dioxin victims.

A maximum of three entries each will be permitted and can be sent to 35 Hồ Mễ Trì Street, Thanh Xuân District, Hà Nội.

The results will be announced on August 10 next year. — VNS