13.5 million USD mobilised for AO victims in 2017

The Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin (VAVA) mobilised nearly 306 billion VND (13.5 million USD) to support AO victims in 2017, heard a conference in Hanoi on December 19.
13.5 million USD mobilised for AO victims in 2017 ảnh 1Vietnamese AO victims (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange(AO)/dioxin (VAVA) mobilised nearly 306 billion VND (13.5 million USD) tosupport AO victims in 2017, heard a conference in Hanoi on December 19.

With that money, the association built and upgraded 718 houses, presented 920wheelchairs, granted 1,900 scholarships and generated jobs for more than 180people.

The association also visited and presented gifts to AO victims on the occasionof the War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27), Day for AO Victims (August 10)and Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Besides, the association raised its voice in the struggle to gain justice forAO victims.

In 2018, the association will continue its care for AO victims and studied thethird generation of AO victims to propose adding them into the list of socialbeneficiaries, while continuing to demand justice for the victims.

By renewing methods to mobilise donations, the association is expected to havemore than 10 chapters that collect at least 10 billion VND (440,000 USD) in theyear.

Also on November 19, the Office ofthe national steeringcommittee for overcoming consequences of chemicals used by theUS during war in Vietnam (called the Office of National Steering Committee 33)held a meeting to review its operation in 2017 and set forth tasks for the nextyear.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan said thePrime Minister has decided to establish the national steering committee forovercoming consequences of post-war bombs, mines and chemicals in Vietnam.

Therefore, the Office of National Steering Committee 33 will be moved to theVietnam Environment Administration (VEA).

Nhan said the office will advise the ministry on assessing the environment beforeand after the settlement of consequences caused by dioxin.

VEA Deputy Director General Nguyen The Dong said in 2017, the Office stepped upactivities to deal with consequences of chemicals  at “hot spots” such as Da Nang and Bien Hoaairports, promoted international cooperation, especially with the US, andidentified areas at risks of being exposed to dioxin to serve the building ofpolicies towards AO victims. -VNA
VNA

See more

A police officer introduces a foreign visitor to the “Smart police station” kiosk, making it easier for international visitors to access police support services. (Photo: VNA)

Pilot "Smart police station" kiosk launched in Hanoi

During the pilot phase, the "Smart police station" provides five core functions: crime/incident reporting; SOS emergency calls; crime alert; finding the nearest police stations and administrative offices; and legal Q&A.

A public servant at the Public Administrative Service Centre of Vinh Yen ward, Phu Tho province, guides residents through the marriage registration process on the online public service portal. (Photo: VNA)

Digital literacy campaign lays foundation for digital citizens in Phu Tho province

After nearly a year, the “Digital Literacy for All” campaign in Phu Tho is demonstrating its effectiveness through tangible results. Residents who were once hesitant about technology are becoming increasingly familiar with VNeID, online public services, cashless payments, and digital platforms for learning, production, and business.

Firefighters and rescue personnel deploy specialised equipment to rescue two truck drivers trapped in their cabins. (Photo: VNA)

Road accident fund to provide support from September

Under Decree No. 279/2025/ND-CP and Circular No. 126/2026/TT-BCA, injured victims with bodily injury rates of over 31% to below 81% may receive up to 10 million VND (381 USD) per case, while families of deceased victims may receive up to 20 million VND.

Ha Thanh, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations and head of the advisory council for international integration, people-to-people diplomacy and overseas Vietnamese affairs under the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the city (Photo: VNA)

New resolution seeks to unlock OV resources for national development

Ha Thanh, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations and head of the advisory council for international integration, people-to-people diplomacy and overseas Vietnamese affairs under the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the city, said Resolution No. 23 builds on the fundamental viewpoints of the Politburo's Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW issued in 2004, reaffirming that overseas Vietnamese are an inseparable part of the nation and a bridge connecting Vietnam with the world.

The Vietnamese Embassy in London's Education Section and representatives from the Department of Higher Education (Ministry of Education and Training) visit and hold a working session at Queen Mary University of London. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam-UK education cooperation: From market to partnership

In the 2024/25 academic year, about 3,725 Vietnamese students studied in the UK, while 13,285 enrolled in UK programmes delivered in Vietnam. Both flows are growing, but the balance is increasingly shifting towards UK education being delivered to learners in Vietnam. If managed strategically, this could enable Vietnam to expand access to international education at home while improving the quality of its workforce.

A bus picks up passengers on National Highway 22 (Le Quang Dao Street), near An Suong Bus Station. (Photo: VNA)

Free bus fares drive sharp rise in ridership in Ho Chi Minh City

As of August 12, the city’s bus network had served nearly 12 million passenger trips, up about 44% year on year. On August 12 alone, around 306,000 passengers used free buses, an increase of roughly 55%, despite students having yet to officially return to school.

Officers and soldiers bring martyrs’ remains to the sampling station at Binh Xuyen commune Martyrs’ Cemetery in Phu Tho province (Photo: VNA)

More than 1,700 war martyrs’ remains recovered

The national steering committee will continue verifying information on suspected martyrs’ graves in key areas, including Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Quan Y Bac Son Hill in Dong Nai, the Con Tien base area in Quang Tri and former Vi Xuyen battlefields in Tuyen Quang.

Delegates observe a minute of silence in tribute to Cuban leader Fidel Castro Ruz (Photo: VNA)

Quang Tri celebrates 100th birthday of Cuban leader Fidel Castro

Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Duc Tien said Fidel Castro was a figure of exceptional stature whose life and revolutionary career were closely associated with the victory of the Cuban Revolution and the struggle for national independence and sovereignty, as well as the aspirations of peoples around the world for independence, freedom, peace and justice.