The Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin (VAVA) will convene its third National Congress for the 2013-2018 tenure and its 10th founding anniversary in Hanoi from December 23-24, said its President, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Van Rinh.

Rinh said the event is meant to review its past activities, and set development orientations to fulfil tasks assigned by the Party, State and people.

Over its decade of operation, VAVA has become a prestigious organisation caring for and protecting the rights of AO/dioxin victims.

VAVA has also worked hard as a core force putting pressure on the US Government to deal with the consequences of toxic chemicals that its army sprayed in Vietnam during the war, he added.

Through regular large-scale campaigns, the association has garnered 12.5 million signatures in the fight for justice for Vietnamese AO victims.

Moreover, some 718 billion VND (34 million USD) has been raised at home and abroad, used to help dioxin victims with production, house revamps and construction while opening additional rehabilitation centres, and offering them scholarships and jobs.

VAVA now groups 59 chapters in cites and provinces nationwide with 315,000 members. As many as 24 rehabilitation and care centres are available in 24 localities.-VNA