Ho Chi Minh City hosts solidarity walk for Agent Orange victims

On 2 August, more than 5,000 people marched along Nguyen Hue pedestrian street in Ho Chi Minh City to mark the 65th anniversary of the Agent Orange/dioxin disaster that began on 10 August 1961. The walk, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin Association in partnership with media groups, was attended by former Party leaders such as Nguyen Van Nên and Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, senior officials, diplomats, military personnel, youth, students and ordinary citizens.

Speakers highlighted that the health effects of the chemical have persisted across three to four generations, affecting millions of Vietnamese with birth defects, chronic disease and disability. The event called for continued domestic and international support, including the creation of a fund to provide scholarships, wheelchairs, home repairs and livelihood assistance for victims. International solidarity was noted, with backing from the United States, Belgium, France and Vietnamese diaspora communities.

The march aimed to raise public awareness, foster compassion and reinforce the message that no victim should be left behind as Vietnam continues to seek assistance for environmental cleanup and medical care.