There needs to be an early policy for third and fourth generation Agent Orange victims.

Program scene. Photo: Mai Hoa

The summary report presented by the Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, Do Hong Lam, at the conference noted many remarkable changes in the care and assistance of victims and the mobilization of social resources: State leadership and management have been strengthened. Preferential policies, appraisals and subsidy payments have been widely implemented. Activities to fight for justice and international cooperation have achieved positive results.

Mr. Do Hong Lam, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, presents the report summarizing 10 years of experience. Photo: Mai Hoa

Over the past 10 years, more than 252,857 resistance fighters and their children have enjoyed preferential policies for those with meritorious services; the Association system has been consolidated in all 63 provinces and cities with more than 400,000 members. Notably, the total mobilized social resources reached a record level - over 4,265 billion VND, of which more than 4,162 billion VND was spent on care activities, building gratitude houses, supporting scholarships, developing social protection centers and other subsidies. These figures reflect the efforts to mobilize the community's support, contributing to reducing difficulties for victims and their families.

Delegates also mentioned the results of dioxin treatment at heavily contaminated sites: The detoxification at Da Nang airport has been completed; the treatment project at Bien Hoa airport is entering its final stage; foreign relations on this issue have progressed when the US Government agreed to increase an additional 30 million USD in 2023 to expand support, receiving international support such as the Resolution of the Belgian House of Representatives... Those steps are both a foreign victory and a technical basis to minimize the risk of exposure for future generations.

However, the handling of dossiers of resistance fighters infected with toxic chemicals is still pending in some localities. The lives of many victims, especially those with serious illnesses, are still extremely difficult. The current subsidy level is considered insufficient to ensure a stable life. Many grassroots association activities are facing difficulties in operation...

The biggest pain point pointed out by the Central Committee and many delegates is the policy “gap” for the third and fourth generations - the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of resistance fighters or victims of exposure, who are born with health problems, congenital malformations or other disorders. Currently, the law on preferential treatment for people with meritorious services does not have clear regulations for this group; therefore, they are likely to fall into a situation where they do not enjoy the regime, lack medical support, rehabilitation and sustainable livelihoods.

Based on 10 years of experience, the Central Committee has made many recommendations to the Government and ministries and branches. The focus is on proposing to soon amend and supplement the Ordinance on Incentives for Meritorious People with a new Decree, clarifying the scope, subjects and appropriate forms of assistance for the 3rd and 4th generations of immigrants; at the same time, perfecting the procedures for appraisal and handling of records to avoid backlogs and omissions.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu Chinh - Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin - outlined the key tasks in supporting victims. Photo: Mai Hoa

At the program, Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu Chinh - Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin proposed five key tasks for the next phase, including: Perfecting policies, especially for future generations; strengthening inter-sectoral coordination and enhancing the responsibility of Party committees and authorities; promoting the mobilization of socialized resources to expand care, rehabilitation, and livelihood support programs; consolidating and perfecting the Association's organization from the central to grassroots levels, ensuring sustainable operations; expanding international cooperation and persistently fighting for justice for victims.

Awarding a Certificate of Commendation to Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu Chinh - Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin. Photo: Mai Hoa

After 10 years of implementation, Directive 43-CT/TW has come into life, spread widely in society and brought about many comprehensive and sustainable results. At the program, delegates of the Party Committee of the Fatherland Front and Central organizations all assessed: The fact that the Associations at all levels have mobilized more than 4,265 billion VND, built hundreds of gratitude houses, given gifts, subsidies, and supported the livelihoods of millions of victims is a testament to the strength of the spirit of humanity, the pride of the tradition of "the whole leaves cover the torn leaves" of our nation, concretized through the implementation of Directive 43-CT/TW.