Belgian Chamber of Representatives passes resolution in aid of Vietnamese AO victims
The Belgian Chamber of Representatives on October 5 evening (local time) passed a resolution in support of the Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims in Vietnam, with absolute approval votes.
At the plenary session of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives. (Photo: VNA)
Brussels (VNA) – TheBelgian Chamber of Representatives on October 5 evening (local time) passed aresolution in support of the Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims in Vietnam, withabsolute approval votes.
In the plenary session of the Parliamentpresided over by the President of the Chamber of Representatives ElianeTillieux, the parliam𝄹entarians ꦉlistened to opinions regarding this resolution.
Lawmaker André Flahaut, who submitted theresolution to the Federal Parliament in December 2021, recounted his visit toHoa Binh Village in Vietnam where he witnessed the devastating effects of AO onthe Vietnamese people across generations. He underlined the need to build a"livable" future for future generations, especially in Vietnam.
Lawmaker Michel De Maegd said that the VietnameseAO victims need long-term support because man🎶y areas have been contaminatedwith chemical toxins sprayed by the US troops during the war, and there is aneed for soil a𒀰nd water decontamination. The AO issue in Vietnam has also caused ecological consequences.
Els Van Hoof, Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee ofthe Belgian Chamber of Representatives, said the approval of the resolutionholds significance as this year marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Belgiumdiplomatic ties.
She called for protecting AO victims asmillions of the Vietnamese people have been exposed to this chemical toxinduring the war and continue facing long-term consequences such as illness,disabilities and contaminated land.
After the resolution was passed, Flahaut senta letter to the Vietnamese Embassy expressing his joy that the BelgianParliament has become the world's first legislature to approve a resolutionsupporting the AO victims of Vietnam.
On the occasion, he confirmed his comm𒈔itmentand determination to act for the women, men and children who are AO victims./.
Associations for Victims of Agent Orange (AO)/Dioxin at all levels in the southern province of Bac Lieu have beening working to support and care for AO victims along with State policies towards them, said president of the provincial association Vo Thi Hong Thoai.
Over the past years, thanks to joint efforts by the entire society and support from international friends, victims of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin in Vietnam have seen their material and spiritual life being improved.
A workshop on creating job opportunities and improving livelihoods for people with disabilities and victims of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin is held by the US Agency For International Development (USAID) and the National Action Centre for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment (NACCET) in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu on August 14-16.
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At the plenary session of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives. (Photo: VNA) 
