French opinion supports Tran To Nga’s justice fight for AO victims
Immediately following the Paris Court of Appeal's decision on August 22 to reject the civil lawsuit filed by Tran To Nga, an 82-year-old French-Vietnamese, against 14 US chemical companies for supplying Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin to the US army during the Vietnam War, many French media outlets have reiterated her decades-long arduous and challenging fight for justice.
The French press covers Tran To Nga's lawsuit. (Photo: VNA)
Paris (VNA) ♍- Immediately following the Paris Court of Appeal's decision on August 22 to reject the civil lawsuit filed by Tran To Nga, an 82-year-old French-Vietnamese, against 14 US chemical companies for supplying Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin to the US army during the Vietnam War, many French media outlets have reiterated her decades-long arduous and challenging fight for justice.
On August 23, the support committee for Nga’s lawsuit held an online press conference, with Nga participating from Vietnam. Lawyers William Bourdon and Bertrand Repolt, along with representatives from various associations and individuals, expressed their regret over the court's decision. However, their resolve to continue supporting Nga in her ongoing struggle for justice remained unshaken.
Nguyen Van Bon, a senior leader of the Association of Vietnamese in France (UGVF), highlighted the association's long-standing tradition of advocating for Agent Orange victims since the 1960s.
This commitment is why UGVF, along with 13 other associations, established the support committee for Nga’s lawsuit from the outset, he said.
Bui Kim Tuyet, a UGVF member, pledged to continue supporting Nga alongside Bon and the Vietnamese community in the long-term fight for justice.
Kim Vo Dinh, representing the Collectif Vietnam Dioxine organisation, vowed to stand side by side with Nga, pool all possible resources to support her and Vietnamese AO victims, and raise public awareness about their plight and the fight.
In a letter shared with the Vietnam News Agency, Honorary Senator Hélène Luc asserted that the court's conservative decision would not deter Nga and her supporters. On the contrary, it will only strengthen their resolve to ensure that the truth prevails.
As a member of the support committee, she assured that the committee would dedicate all its efforts to raise awareness among the French public about the atrocities that occurred in Vietnam.
This justice fight is crucial for all those who have died, for those who are suffering from disabilities that prevent them from enjoying life, for children born with defects, and ultimately to prevent such horrors from happening again to humanity, she wrote./.
The Paris Court of Appeal's rejection of the lawsuit filed by Tran To Nga against US manufacturers of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin is not a surprise for the French-Vietnamese woman, who said she will not give up but continue to pursue this lawsuit.
The Paris Court of Appeal's rejection of the lawsuit filed by Tran To Nga against US manufacturers of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin is not a surprise for the French-Vietnamese woman, who said she will not give up but continue to pursue this lawsuit.
Many organisations, charitable groups, and the community have been joining hands with the Party and State to take care of and provide support in various forms for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin.
Vietnam has over 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, including hundreds of thousands in the second, third, and even fourth generations. Many live with severe disabilities, facing high medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed that amnesty is a humanitarian policy of the Party and State, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and winning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally.
Vietnam officially grants limited-term visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
With support from the Vietnamese Association in Ufa, Vietnamese language classes for children have been offered for many years. Currently, 60 children of various ages are attending two classes taught by Duc Anh, free of charge.
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
Although millions of Vietnamese were affected by AO, only over 626,000 individuals, including war veterans and their children suffering from dioxin-related conditions, are currently receiving state benefits.
