Nearly 8,000 people joined a parade for AO victims on August 2, 2015 to mark AO Victims' Day (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – A series of activities will be held in response to the 55th anniversary of the Day for Agent Orange/dioxin (AO) Victims (August 10, 1961-2016), revealed President of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA), Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Rinh, on July 7.
Notably, a national “For AO Victims” congress attended by 300 delegates will be organised on July 12-13, as well as an international conference to assess the effects of AO used by the US army during the war in Vietnam, which will be held on August 8-9, he said.
Meanwhile, a meeting to mark the event will be held on August 10, which is expected to draw about 1,000 people and will be broadcast live on Vietnam Television Channel 1 and the National Assembly TV.
Other activities include an exhibition themed “Agent Orange – Conscience and Justice”, and the handing over of houses to AO victim families in various localities, said Sen. Lieu. Gen. Rinh.
On the occasion, the VAVA and the Naval High Command will also present gifts worth 1.6 billion VND (72,000 USD) to AO victims, while the Viet-My steel company will support poor AO victim families to build new houses worth 50 million VND (2,250 USD) each.
Through the activities, the VAVA hopes to raise public awareness of the hazardous damage and long-term consequences caused by AO to both people and the environment in Vietnam , said the association leader.
This is also a chance for the community at home and abroad to help ease difficulties for the victims and voice support for their struggle for justice.-VNA
