VietNamNet Bridge – Senior Lieutenant-general Nguyen Van Rinh, Chairman of the Association of Vietnamese AO/Dioxin Victims (VAVA), says that AO victims who were born in peace are preparing to sue American chemical firms.

Why do we lodge a new lawsuit?

The first lawsuit was rejected by the US court. If we pursue that case, they will reject it again for sure. The rejection is unfair and violating human rights. American veterans enjoy AO allowances, totaling billion US dollar a year (around $13.5 billion in 2010) but Vietnamese AO victims are neglected. Not only AO victims in Vietnam but also victims in Japan and veterans in South Koreas are ignored.

We are determined to seek for justice. We are researching American laws and asking for assistance from excellent lawyers in the world, including American lawyers, for the new lawsuit. The new lawsuit is about to be lodged.

Who are the plaintiffs in the second lawsuit?

In the first lawsuit, plaintiffs are veterans who were infected with AO. In the new case, they will be civilians who were born in the peaceful time but they are disabled because of AO.

This is a civil lawsuit of several plaintiffs. Individuals will hire lawyers. They are VAVA’s members so our association will help them in the case.

Do the plaintiffs and VAVA consider difficulties in this case?

It is surely to be difficult but we are preparing very carefully. We will consult American lawyers. Many foreign lawyers are willing to assist us. They met with Vietnamese plaintiffs in both Vietnam and the US. After researching the case and collecting evidences, international lawyers say that Vietnamese plaintiffs can highly win the case.

Lawyers are very confident, how about VAVA?

We are also very confident and hope that American firms will have to compensate Vietnamese AO victims. Previously, American veterans sued these companies and they received $180 million of compensation.

However, in the worst case that we will not win the case, we will lodge other lawsuits.

VNE