On the evening of September 26, at the Romain Rolland Theater in Villejuif, Mayor Pierre Garzon awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of Villejuif,” the city’s highest award, to Ms. Tran To Nga, who has fought for justice for millions of Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange.

The event was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang, Honorary Member of Parliament Hélène Luc, members of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association, and hundreds of people from Villejuif city.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Pierre Garzon stressed that Villejuif is known for its struggles for peace and justice, and has always taken the interests of its people as its guiding principle. Whether on the streets, in schools, in associations, whether men or women, the people of Villejuif are fighting and building a better, more humane world.

Speaking to a reporter from the Vietnam News Agency in France, Mayor Garzon affirmed that Ms. Tran To Nga grew up during the war in Vietnam and has been constantly fighting for peace. Being exposed to Agent Orange and directly affecting generations of her children and grandchildren, she has been at the forefront of the historic fight to demand that American chemical corporations be held responsible for these biological disasters and bring these corporations to justice. Despite many obstacles, she has always put her faith in justice.

Ms. Tran To Nga has inspired many people around the world and has helped to make the voices of those forgotten by war heard. In recognition of her contributions, not only to the individual but also to the struggle for peace and justice, the city of Villejuif shares these profound values ​​with Ms. Nga.

For his part, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang expressed his deep emotion, emphasizing that this moment is of special importance because it is not only a tribute to a special woman but also shared with all victims of Agent Orange.

The Ambassador affirmed that the honorary citizenship that the City of Villejuif granted to Ms. Tran To Nga today is a strong symbol of the solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and France, but also a recognition of her comprehensive struggle for the victims of Agent Orange. It is a gesture that reflects the compassion and commitment of the City of Villejuif to those who fight for a better and fairer future.

Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang recalled that Vietnam paid a heavy price during the war, especially Agent Orange, a chemical that left irreparable consequences for people and our environment. Three million hectares of forest were destroyed and 4.8 million people were directly affected, suffering from serious illnesses such as birth defects, cancer and neurological disorders. Today, thanks to people like Ms. Tran To Nga, this tragedy is not forgotten.

The trial against the agrochemical companies that supplied the US military with this poison is a symbolic fight for all the victims. Although the Paris Court of Appeal has confirmed the decision of the Court of Justice of Evry, dismissing the case of Ms. Tran To Nga, this does not change the reality of the suffering caused, nor the urgency of justice.

The Ambassador said the Vietnamese government has coordinated with organizations such as the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin to continue providing financial and medical support to victims. Decontamination efforts in the most contaminated areas are underway with assistance from the United States, especially at locations such as Bien Hoa and Da Nang airports.

Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang hopes that this honorary citizenship will send a strong message to the world that “The fight for justice continues and together we can make a difference.”

Mr. Alain Rouy, Secretary General of the “Movement for Peace,” said that the French judicial system must stand on the side of justice for the victims.

The life of Ms. Tran To Nga is a testament to courage, perseverance and dignity. She chose to turn her pain into strength to fight for justice. Her struggle resonated not only in Vietnam but also in France and around the world./.