Agent Orange victims' association honoured for humanitarian work
VOV.VN - The Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) was awarded the Second-Class Labour Order at a ceremony in Hanoi on August 4, in recognition of its contributions to protecting the rights and improving the lives of Agent Orange victims.
The event, held to mark the 65th anniversary of the Agent Orange disaster in Vietnam (Aug. 10, 1961– 2026), also featured the art programme Journey of Hope, highlighting the resilience of victims and raising public awareness of the long-term consequences of dioxin exposure.
According to the President’s decision issued on July 3, 2026, VAVA received the honour for its outstanding achievements in safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Agent Orange victims, providing care and assistance, and contributing to social welfare and humanitarian activities.
Presenting the award on behalf of Party and State leaders, Nguyen Phi Long, vice president of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, said the consequences of Agent Orange remain one of the most severe legacies of the war in Vietnam.
He noted that between 1961 and 1971, about 80 million litres of herbicides were sprayed over southern Vietnam, of which more than 61% consisted of Agent Orange containing dioxin. The effects continue to impact millions of Vietnamese, with many families affected across multiple generations by birth defects and chronic illnesses.
He described the issue as not only a humanitarian and public health challenge but also one of justice, human conscience and responsibility toward future generations.
Caring for people who rendered service to the nation and victims of war, including Agent Orange victims, is a key responsibility of the Party and State, he affirmed.
Over the past years, the association has become a key channel for mobilising social resources to support Agent Orange victims alongside government assistance. Between 2021 and 2025, the organisation raised more than VND 2.424 trillion (about US$93 million) in cash and in-kind contributions.
Nearly VND 2.314 trillion was used to build and repair homes, support livelihoods, provide healthcare and rehabilitation services, award scholarships and assist families caring for victims.
In recent years, the association has increasingly shifted from short-term assistance toward sustainable support programmes, including vocational training, livelihood development, financial assistance and employment support to help victims integrate into society.
Following the award ceremony, the art programme Journey of Hope featured performances and personal stories reflecting both the enduring impact of Agent Orange and the determination of victims to overcome adversity.
Organisers also received donations from organisations, businesses and individuals to support the fund for Agent Orange victims and displayed 65 photographs documenting decades of support for the victims across the country.
HCM City to hold charity walk for Agent Orange/dioxin victims
VOV.VN - HCM City will host a charity walk for Agent Orange/Dioxin victims on August 2 on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, with organisers expecting strong public participation following the success of previous editions.
