Statement

By The vietnam association for victims of agent organge/dioxin-(vavo)

On 25^th February 2004, a meeting was held by the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVO) to review its recent activities and map out its new orientations and plan of action for the upcoming period.

VAVO avails itself of this opportunity to extend sincere gratitude to the Party and Government for the recent issuance of additional aid schemes for families whose members fail to manage self-services.

VAVO expresses high appreciation of the wholehearted moral and material support from the broad masses throughout the country, numerous international and national organizations and various progressive individuals from many countries, thus encouraging VAVO to overcome all difficulties in undertaking its noble responsibilities. Its representatives of victims were sent to the World Social Forum held in Mumbai, India, to display solidarity with victims in Bhopal, India and to provide the world with further information on the conditions of Vietnamese victims.

On 30^th January 2004, VAVO and three families of six victims started a class action suit against chemical corporations which are suppliers of toxic agents used by American troops in Vietnam. Many other victims have been applying for their parts in this civil law suit. Public opinion everywhere has expressed sympathy with such legitimate act taken by Vietnamese victims after decades of suffering patiently countless pains and losses. The Vietnamese people, faithful to their tradition of forgiving and tolerance, have for many years demonstrated their readiness in cooperation with the US to address the atrocious war consequences. However, unfortunately such good-will has not been positively responded. Undertaking this lawsuit the Vietnamese victims do not only serve their own lives but also the legitimate rights of all victims of toxic chemical/Dioxin in many other countries, including those in the US. This legal action is not only for the sake of one generation but also for many others who have been suffering from long-lasting pains. This legal action is taken for the sacred right to life which is the primary and most basic human rights since it is our strong confidence that there still exist conscience and justice on Earth.

VAVO earnestly calls for all compatriots, both at home and aboard, to demonstrate in a more powerful manner their sympathy and to support the victims’ activities and their lawsuit filed in the US.

VAVO expects and welcomes all the sentiments and actions in further support the Vietnamese victims from progressive organizations, individuals and people all over the world, especially in the US working for the right to life of men.

VAVO is highly appreciative and supportive of the Declaration of the Stockholm Conference on Agent Orange/dioxin held in Sweden, July 2002, and urgently calls for governments, non-governmental organizations and people of all countries to render active support for humanitarian efforts and activities in assistance to victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam and in overcoming the tragic war consequences in Vietnam.

Render your support to victims of toxic chemicals for the sake of safeguarding Peace and Justice in the world!