Can you tell us about the outstanding results of VAVA in implementing the Resolution of the 4th Congress, term 2018-2023?
During the 2018-2023 term, all levels of the association have made efforts, overcome many difficulties, and comprehensively completed the goals and tasks set forth by the 4th Congress.
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| Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Rinh, Chairman of VAVA, presented Certificates of Gratitude for their Golden Hearts to groups and individuals who have made many contributions and supported victims of Agent Orange. (Photo: Provided by VAVA) |
The Central Committee and provincial and municipal associations have done a good job of advising and proposing to the Party, the State and Party committees and authorities at all levels to continue implementing Directive No. 43-CT/TW of the Secretariat; implementing the Party and State's guidelines and policies on dealing with the consequences of toxic chemicals and caring for and helping victims in a fundamental and sustainable manner.
Propaganda work has been promoted with many appropriate and effective forms. The emulation movement "For Vietnamese Agent Orange victims" associated with the movement "Action for Agent Orange victims" launched by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front has been deployed deeply, widely and effectively.
The entire Party, people and political system have carried out many activities to care for and help victims of toxic chemicals effectively and with good quality. The results of resource mobilization are higher than in the previous term.
Associations at all levels from the central to the grassroots level have made efforts to propagate and mobilize resources, linking the emulation movement "For Agent Orange victims" with movements and campaigns on anniversaries, holidays, New Year's... to mobilize more resources to care for and help victims.
From the beginning of the term to November 2023, all levels of the association nationwide mobilized the Fund to reach over 2,275 billion VND (including cash and in-kind).
The Agent Orange Victims Fund was established at the Central Association and 40/63 provinces and cities; more than 610 districts; most communes and wards have established voluntary funds.
The activities of the Fund from the central to the grassroots levels strictly comply with the Charter and are transparent, efficient and effective in management and use.
During the 4th term, the association supported the construction of Social Protection Centers in provinces and cities, with a budget of nearly 38 billion VND; of which, VAVA's Center was upgraded and boarding facilities were built in provinces and cities, with a budget of nearly 36 billion VND.
To date, the Association has 26 Centers, following 2 models (17 Centers managed by provincial and municipal associations and 9 facilities for nurturing victims in social protection centers managed by the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of provinces and cities), nurturing nearly 1,900 children. The nurturing centers have become "homes" for victims and rehabilitation facilities for victims who are veterans.
The struggle for justice for victims of torture will continue to be carried out with new forms and measures, in accordance with the viewpoints, policies and foreign policies of the Party and State.
That result has significantly contributed to changing the perception of the US Congress and Government, making them more responsible in participating in handling the remaining dioxin at Da Nang airport, Bien Hoa airport (Dong Nai) and providing humanitarian support for people with disabilities, including victims of Agent Orange.
The activities of the association at all levels have been innovated, promoting their roles and responsibilities, truly representing the legitimate rights and interests, promptly responding to the aspirations of victims, affirming the role and position of the association towards the Party Committee, government and society.
Up to now, the provincial-level association continues to be maintained in 63/63 provinces and cities (of which 7 provinces have merged other mass associations with similar tasks to the Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims). 613/705 districts and counties with sufficient conditions have established associations, reaching 86% (an increase of 12 district-level associations compared to the beginning of the term); 6,629/10,599 communes and wards with sufficient conditions have established associations, reaching 62% (an increase of 176 commune-level associations and development of 653 branches); the total number of current members is more than 415,000 people (over 7,500 members were developed during the term)...
During the past term, the fight for justice for victims and people-to-people diplomacy have had new developments, sir?
VAVA has regularly paid attention to directing and effectively implementing activities to fight for justice for victims, in accordance with the foreign policy, guidelines and policies of the Party and State; at the same time, closely coordinated with functional agencies to both fight and mobilize the USAID (USA) to have programs of activities that pay more attention to Agent Orange victims.
The Association has actively worked and contacted US officials, taking advantage of forums when participating in international seminars and talks to make requests and propose that the US government and US chemical companies take responsibility for Agent Orange victims and consider Agent Orange an issue that the US government must pay attention to and resolve.
These activities have contributed to the change of US authorities towards Agent Orange victims, at the same time having policies and implementing activities aimed directly at beneficiaries who are Agent Orange victims and their families; expanding the survey of victims in 7 provinces: Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Phu Yen, Thanh Hoa, Quang Ngai, Binh Duong, Can Tho and agreed to add 3 provinces (Bac Lieu, Ca Mau and Quang Ngai) to the project to support people with disabilities, including victims in heavily sprayed provinces.
Along with that, during the time of Ms. Tran To Nga's lawsuit in France, the Association closely coordinated with the French Law Office; at the same time, actively campaigned to support Ms. Tran To Nga in suing American chemical companies; promptly issued a Statement supporting the lawsuit and sent an Open Letter to domestic and international organizations and individuals protesting the court's verdict at the first instance trial of the case.
In the coming time, we will continue to accompany Ms. Tran To Nga to file a lawsuit at the Court of Appeal of Paris (France).
People's diplomacy in the new situation has closely followed the tasks of the Association, promptly developed a plan to implement Directive 12-CT/TW dated January 5, 2022 of the Secretariat on strengthening the Party's leadership and improving the effectiveness of people's diplomacy in the new situation.
The Association maintains relationships with traditional friends in the US, France, UK, Japan, Korea... and expands relationships with government organizations in several countries such as Japan, Belgium and several other national organizations.
The Association continues to participate in many foreign affairs activities of the A and H Bomb Council (Japan), the US Institute of Peace; actively participates in conferences, seminars, talks, and forums related to overcoming the consequences of war.
VAVA organized many delegations to countries such as the US, Japan, and South Korea to mobilize help, support, and fight for justice for the victims, attracting international attention; at the same time, it welcomed many foreign delegations with more than 1,000 people to Vietnam to visit, work, and give gifts to the victims.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has implemented a project to support people with disabilities, including Agent Orange victims, in heavily sprayed provinces and is implementing a number of other projects directly for Agent Orange victims.
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| The Association of Koreans Who Love Vietnam provides livelihood support to families of Agent Orange victims. (Photo: Provided by VAVA) |
In the coming time, what are the key tasks that VAVA has identified, General?
It can be affirmed that the attention of the Party, the State, Party committees and authorities at all levels is a prerequisite for the Association to successfully and excellently complete the tasks assigned by the Party and the State. The consensus, close coordination, affection and responsibility for victims of agencies and units are important factors in carrying out the Association's central task of caring for and helping victims and fighting for justice.
In the coming term, we will continue to thoroughly implement Directive 43-CT/TW of the Secretariat, promote the emulation movement "For Agent Orange victims"; care for and help victims overcome difficulties to integrate into the community, have a life equal to the average living standard in the locality, not let the victim's family fall back into poverty, not let the victim's family live in temporary or dilapidated houses.
VAVA will continue to innovate the content and form of mobilizing domestic and international resources. Effectively implement sponsored projects ensuring compliance with the law, publicity and transparency; proactively and actively fight for justice for Agent Orange victims in accordance with the new situation and conditions.
In particular, for the fight for justice for victims, we will supplement and complete the Plan to determine the goals and roadmap for the fight for justice for victims and people's diplomacy in the new situation, and submit it to competent authorities for approval.
In addition, the Association continues to maintain traditional relationships with international organizations, foreign individuals and Vietnamese people living abroad; strives during the term to develop and expand from 5-10 international organizations that regularly care for, support and help victims in Vietnam.
Thank you very much, General!
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