A day of hope

Today is a special day in Vietnam, of a kind that needs to be reflected on but does not bring much to celebrate. These photos are part of an exhibition to commemorate Agent Orange Day.

If you described the American War, as it is known here, as a deep scar on this country, the use of the chemical defoliant Agent Orange, or Dioxin, is more like an open wound. The devastating effects in regions where it was sprayed will last for generations to come through birth defects. And the chemical still poses a threat in a number of places where it was stored during the war, which have yet to be adequately cleaned up. People recently tested in these “hot spots” still show levels of Dioxin 300 to 400 times higher than what is deemed safe.

There are estimated to be around 3 million victims, which can be broken down into people who died at the time of its use (400,000), babies born with birth defects like spina bifida, blindness, missing limbs and mental retardation (500,000) and people who have contracted cancer or live with other chronic conditions (2 million).


The United States retains its right for Sovereign Immunity, and thus will not take responsibility or give adequate compensation. In 2007, they did provide 3 million dollars… remember how many victims I said there were? The Vietnamese victims’ lawsuit against the chemical companies, like Dow and Monsanto, in the US was also unsuccessful, despite a number of appeals. The latest ruling by the US Supreme court, in March 2009, means that the case will not be reconsidered. American veterans who were exposed to Dioxin during the war were more successful in their lawsuit, receiving 180 million in 1984 as part of a settlement.


When Hillary Clinton visited Ha Noi a couple of weeks ago, I did hear that discussion of compensation was on the agenda. However I haven’t heard anything since, and I won’t be holding my breath. She and Bill are very popular here, because people still remember fondly their visit in 1989, just as the country was opening up to the world again. If she could be responsible for for the kind of compensation that is appropriate and much needed, what a hero she would be!


Indeed it is a very sad and frustrating situation for all of those affected. The exhibition though reveals something deeply human. It shows the courage of the victims and the quiet persistence of those who help them. I walked away from it with tears in my eyes, but also with a feeling somewhat uplifted.


This is also the first time I have seen such a prominent and honest display of the plight of Angent Orange victims in Vietnam. Colour, building size photos of deformed victims line Dong Khoi street near Notre Dame Cathedral, and then there is another display opposite Vincom Shopping Centre, HCMC newest and flashiest symbol of progress.


I am glad that the government is not putting any gloss on this issue or hiding it away. Does it signal that they will be more vocal in agitating for justice? One can only hope.