Giving gifts to victims of Agent Orange/dioxin.

It brings together over 3,200 members.

From its humble beginnings with just a few dozen members, the Hue City Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin has gradually affirmed its role. Not only does it act as a bridge connecting state policies to beneficiaries, but the association also proactively mobilizes social resources, connecting with numerous domestic and international organizations to provide material and spiritual support, create livelihood opportunities, and participate in protecting the legitimate rights of Agent Orange victims. Currently, there are over 3,200 active members in the association's organizations. Following the implementation of the two-tiered local government model, the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin has now been restructured at the city level. However, all mobilized resources and benefits are still being channeled to its members.

Propaganda work has been intensified through various appropriate and effective forms. The Association has coordinated with the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and central and local media agencies to promote propaganda activities, promptly honoring and commending collectives and individuals who have made significant positive contributions.

Coordination with the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) at all levels in building strong organizations has been given special attention. The association's emulation movement "For Vietnamese Agent Orange Victims" is linked to the "Action for Agent Orange Victims" movement launched by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and has been widely implemented and achieved high effectiveness. Party committees and authorities have created favorable conditions for the associations to operate more smoothly.

Mr. Tran Van Trung, Chairman of the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Hue City, affirmed: The Association's widespread development and increasing strength serve as a solid support and a warm, compassionate home for its members and victims of Agent Orange, and as a core force in the struggle for justice for Agent Orange/dioxin victims, providing care and assistance to victims in Hue.

Enhancing the role of associations

From 2000 to the present, implementing policies for victims of Agent Orange, Hue City has provided assistance to approximately 4,000 people; of which, 3,000 are former resistance fighters and 1,000 are their children.

Mr. Ho Van Sanh, Chairman of the Association of Agent Orange Victims in Phu Loc District, said: "We have over 270 members; of which, about 30 are honorary members. From there, the association mobilizes resources from benefactors and members to build a fund to visit and support Agent Orange victims in the area. Many families have successfully engaged in livestock farming and crop cultivation, stabilizing their lives."

In practice, it has also been shown that the associations at all levels have done a good job in advising and providing social feedback; identifying inadequacies and obstacles in the implementation of policies to report to relevant agencies and competent authorities; actively participating in reviewing and proposing amendments and additions to regimes and policies for resistance fighters exposed to chemical toxins and their children suffering from the effects of Agent Orange.

In particular, the City Association has closely coordinated with the Central Association to contact and work with many domestic and international charitable organizations to solicit support and resources such as: the Hoa Hoa Binh Fund, MEDICO (Swiss International Medical Center), the French Association for the Assistance of Children Affected by Dioxin (VNED), the Vietnamese Buddhist Association Tam Nguyen, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Integration Project, the Seeds of Hope Project, the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association, the Chemical Corps (Ministry of National Defence), the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hue City, and the Red Cross at all levels to obtain additional resources to help disadvantaged victim families…

The struggle for justice for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin continues with new forms and methods, in line with the views, policies, and foreign guidelines of the Party and State, contributing to a shift in the awareness and assessment of US authorities regarding victims of Agent Orange/dioxin.

The journey for victims of Agent Orange is still long, but with the collective efforts of the community, we believe that more and more lives will be supported and revived.

Text and photos: An Nhien

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-polit-xa-hoi/an-sinh-xa-hoi/dong-hanh-cung-nan-nhan-da-cam-161022.html