Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Nearly 30 years after the end of war, Vietnam has witnessed drastic changes and for many, especially young people, the war only exists as a historical event.

Unfortunately, millions of Vietnamese people living in the north, central and south are still suffering the heavy consequences of war. They are the victims of the toxic chemicals, known as Agent Orange. Due to the impact of the chemicals, they are suffering from serious diseases and even their children are born with deformities. For years, addition to the spiritual pain, they live a hard life as they are unable to work.

According to statistics provided by the US Army, 72 million litters of toxic chemical and 170 kg of dioxin were sprayed over Vietnam from 1961 to 1971. A recent report on the US use of defoliant in Vietnam released in the International Science Magazine ‘’Nature’’ last year said that the real figure was around 80 million liters and the amount of dioxin was double, about 366 kg. The figures were calculated following careful studies conducted by researchers and toxicologists from Colombia University in New York.

How many Agent Orange victims are there in Vietnam? The number is estimated to be between 3-4 million people.

According to the American War Veterans’ Association, 9 percent of US soldiers taking part in the US war in Vietnam were exposed to dioxin. Vietnamese people affected with toxic chemicals accounted for 15-20 percent of the population (about 4.8 million people).

In the spirit of good-will, Vietnam has asked the US many times to co-operate in resolving the serious consequences of the toxic chemicals it used during the war in Vietnam. However, the US has either ignored its responsibility or promised action but fulfilled its obligations.

In 1980, Vietnam set up Committee 10-80 to conduct surveys on the consequences of the chemical war. At present, Steering Committee 33 has been established to handle the consequences of toxic chemicals left behind by the war in Vietnam.

Recently, the Agent Orange and Dioxin Victims’ Association (AODVA) was established in Vietnam. This is a social organisation which is assigned to protect the rights of victims and call for support from Vietnamese and foreign organisations. The association’s participation in the lawsuits against the US companies, which provided toxic chemicals to the US army during the wartime in Vietnam has captured public attention both at home and abroad.

After the lawsuit was announced in January 2004, many US citizens and war veterans emailed the AODVA expressing their support and desire to co-operate.

General Secretary of the UK-Vietnam Friendship Association, Len Aldis had collected signatures from British Congressmen to demand the US Government take responsibility for its actions in Vietnam. He recently sent a letter asking US Secretary of State Colin Powel that: "As an Agent Orange victim in the US, do you think about the rights of Vietnamese victims?". Mr Aldis called on people to provide online signatures supporting the lawsuit and requesting the US Government to show responsibility for Vietnam.

Jim Zumwald, the second son of Admiral Zumwald who directed the spraying of toxic chemicals over southern Vietnam, together with his friends, expressed their wish to co-operate with Vietnamese victims in their claims for compensation.

Currently, the International Democratic Lawyers’ Association is playing an active role

in the lawsuits against the US toxic chemical producers. The association has asked its members to work closely with Vietnam to protect the rights of Vietnamese victims in the US courts.

Recently, the Swedish Committee for Solidarity with Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia has expressed its indignity over the US’ irresponsible attitude towards Vietnamese Agent Orange victims.

Fighting for the protection of the rights of Agent Orange victims is the responsibility of the entire society, including organisations, mass media agencies, all individuals and every household. It is essential to launch nationwide movements to call for international support. By doing so, we can bring equity and a moral resolution to the Agent Orange victims of Vietnam and of the wars waged by the US.

Radio Voice of Vietnam, August 10, 2004