French opinion supports Tran To Nga’s justice fight for AO victims
Immediately following the Paris Court of Appeal's decision on August 22 to reject the civil lawsuit filed by Tran To Nga, an 82-year-old French-Vietnamese, against 14 US chemical companies for supplying Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin to the US army during the Vietnam War, many French media outlets have reiterated her decades-long arduous and challenging fight for justice.
On August 23, the support committee for Nga’s lawsuit held an online press conference, with Nga participating from Vietnam. Lawyers William Bourdon and Bertrand Repolt, along with representatives from various associations and individuals, expressed their regret over the court's decision. However, their resolve to continue supporting Nga in her ongoing struggle for justice remained unshaken.
Nguyen Van Bon, a senior leader of the Association of Vietnamese in France (UGVF), highlighted the association's long-standing tradition of advocating for Agent Orange victims since the 1960s.
This commitment is why UGVF, along with 13 other associations, established the support committee for Nga’s lawsuit from the outset, he said.
Bui Kim Tuyet, a UGVF member, pledged to continue supporting Nga alongside Bon and the Vietnamese community in the long-term fight for justice.
Kim Vo Dinh, representing the Collectif Vietnam Dioxine organisation, vowed to stand side by side with Nga, pool all possible resources to support her and Vietnamese AO victims, and raise public awareness about their plight and the fight.
In a letter shared with the Vietnam News Agency, Honorary Senator Hélène Luc asserted that the court's conservative decision would not deter Nga and her supporters. On the contrary, it will only strengthen their resolve to ensure that the truth prevails.
As a member of the support committee, she assured that the committee would dedicate all its efforts to raise awareness among the French public about the atrocities that occurred in Vietnam.
This justice fight is crucial for all those who have died, for those who are suffering from disabilities that prevent them from enjoying life, for children born with defects, and ultimately to prevent such horrors from happening again to humanity, she wrote.
