VAVA awarded second-class Labour Order for contributions to AO/dioxin victims

The Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) has been awarded the second-class Labour Order in recognition of its long-standing contributions to supporting victims of Agent Orange (AO) and dioxin. Nguyen Phi Long, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, stated that the conferment of this order is a well-deserved recognition of the tireless and compassionate contributions made by generations of VAVA officials, members, and volunteers, as well as organizations and individuals who have stood by Vietnamese AO victims over the years. VAVA's primary mission is to support victims affected by Agent Orange, used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. This defoliant caused severe health problems and environmental pollution in Vietnam, with effects continuing across generations. The Vietnamese government is intensifying domestic support measures and engaging the international community to address this issue, with VAVA playing a central role. This award signifies the official recognition of an organization's achievements in the social welfare sector under Vietnam's one-party system. While Vietnam continues its economic growth, efforts to address the lingering effects of Agent Orange, a scar from the war, remain a focus of attention both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, according to the report, over VND 9.3 billion (approximately USD 400,000) is expected to be raised for AO/dioxin victims in 2025. International attention is also growing, with an Agent Orange/dioxin lawsuit in France entering its decisive phase and the inauguration of the first European memorial to AO/dioxin victims in Paris.