Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan has lauded the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin (VAVA) for its strenuous efforts in support of AO victims over the past 10 years. At a ceremony celebrating its 10th founding anniversary in Hanoi on December 23, Nhan asked VAVA to strengthen its activities and mobilize all social means to care for the victims in their lives and fight for justice. He also took the occasion to call on the Vietnamese both at home and abroad, and friends across the globe to stand side by side with the victims in the fight for justice. Established on January 10, 2004, VAVA now groups chapters in 59 cities and provinces with over 315,000 members. It has set up funds in 33 localities and 24 rehabilitation centers in 20 provinces and cities. It has raised nearly VND718 billion ($34 million) in and outside the country to repair and build houses, grant scholarships, generate jobs and offer storm relief for AO victims and their families. The association has played a core role in putting pressure on the US chemical companies to be responsible for consequences of their toxic chemicals used by the US troops during the war in Vietnam. (vietnamplus.vn Dec 23)
