Agent Orange victims not alone in fight for justice
VietNamNet Bridge – Numerous foreign individuals and organisations, as well as expatriates have voiced support for Vietnamese Agent Orange /dioxin victims, who are pursuing a lawsuit against US chemical companies, making the case one of international concern,
 |
France-Vietnam Society General Secretary Patrice Jorland stated in his report that the international community should show determination in the case for reasons that go beyond humanitarian concerns. |
He said the so-called “War of technology” had left a legacy of serious consequences for both the environment and people.
“International relations should be based on international law, and no nations, either powerful or weak, should be allowed to escape from their responsibilities,” said the social activist.
The France-Vietnam Society was found in 1961, and shown great concern over the Agent Orange issue in Vietnam during the past ten years. Jorland said his organisation has organised a number of photographic exhibitions, thus increasing the French public’s understanding of the Agent Orange/dioxin problem in Vietnam and earning greater support for the Vietnamese AO victims.
Most recently, the organisation published a book on this issue, printed in both English and Italian and launched a campaign in support of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange /dioxin (VAVA) following a recent verdict of by US appeals court.
The Vietnam-Dioxin Collective has also set an example in the struggle for international recognition of the issue. The organisation was established in 2004 under an initiative by the Vietnamese-French community. It has disseminated open letters across France, launched a website, organised workshops and forums, as well as screening documentary films focusing on the aftermath of the use of Agent Orange in the country and raising funds for the victims.
Its representative, Vo Dinh Kim, said that tough times still lie ahead for the Vietnamese Agent Orange victims’ lawsuit. He said he believed, however that the lawsuit would be successful if “We spare no means and firmly unite in the struggle.”
In another example, the Britain-Vietnam Friendship Society Secretary, Len Aldis, has lent his weight to the Vietnamese AO victims’ fight for justice. He called on VAVA to increase its prestige and profile in the international arena to increase its chances of winning its fight for justice.
Speaking about the deaths of two Vietnamese AO victims, Nguyen Thi Hong and Nguyen Van Quy, who joined the US appeals court trial, Aldis said that there is no way for the US chemical companies to deny their responsibility for the crimes they have committed.
A website launched by Aldis has collected over 700,000 signatures so far in support of Vietnamese AO victims.
(Source: VNA)
Update from: http://english.vietnamnet.vn//social/2008/12/816812/
Comments