Swiss photographer's sympathy for Vietnamese Agent Orange victims

Through photos depicting the consequences of Agent Orange in Vietnam, photographer Schmid wants to send a message of love and sharing with the victims in Vietnam, especially children.

In an interview with a VNA reporter in Switzerland to mark the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), photographer Roland Schmid shared many stories he collected through his visits to Vietnam, and his interactions with Agent Orange victims, as well as their aspirations to rise up and integrate into life.

On the 3rd floor of the Photobastei 2.0 building in Zurich, the photo exhibition "War without end" by Mr. Roland Schmid attracted many visitors.

Through photos that realistically depict the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin on nature as well as on today's generation in Vietnam, photographer Roland Schmid wants to send viewers a message of love and sharing for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, especially children.

“There are many consequences of Agent Orange,” he said. “In addition to causing diseases, Agent Orange also contains dioxin, which also affects the human genome. Up to now, many generations in Vietnam after the war are still affected by this toxic substance. Besides, I also want to direct viewers to another issue, which is the bombs and explosive devices left over from the war, especially in the central region of Vietnam.”

The book about the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam written by author Peter Jaeggi, with photos by photographer Roland Schmid. (Photo: Anh Hien/VNA)

The author of the exhibition said that after many visits to Vietnam with journalist Peter Jaeggi, he realized that although the war is over, the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin that the US military sprayed on Vietnam are still directly affecting people's health.

However, he was still very impressed by the spirit of the Vietnamese people after the war, as well as the extraordinary examples of perseverance in overcoming difficulties.

“Yes, I have a very strong affection for Vietnam. I love everything about Vietnam. Not to mention, in my discussions with Vietnamese authorities, I am impressed that they are always striving towards the future. This is very important,” added Mr. Roland Schmid.

In the coming time, photographer Roland Schmid plans to continue to coordinate with organizations, such as GreenCross Switzerland or the Switzerland-Vietnam Friendship Association, related to projects to support overcoming the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/su-dong-cam-cua-nhiep-anh-gia-thuy-si-voi-nan-nhan-chat-doc-da-cam-viet-nam-post1034915.vnp