Thursday, August 10 is the International Day of Remembrance for the victims of the dioxin-containing defoliant “Agent Orange,” which was used during the Vietnam War and continues to have serious health effects today. The herbicide can cause cancer, organ damage and deformities even in small amounts. Exposure to Agent Orange has been the cause of an unusually high number of miscarriages, skin diseases, cancers and congenital malformations since the 1970s. Children and adolescents in particular still suffer from the devastating late effects of the herbicide today.

The Green Cross Switzerland Foundation and the Switzerland-Vietnam Association would like to use this day of remembrance with a stand each to draw attention to the continuing effects of Agent Orange. With the ongoing war in Ukraine, the devastating consequences of armed conflict are particularly present. Unfortunately, the suffering caused by wars is not limited to the events of the day, but often entails long-lasting after-effects. For almost 30 years, Green Cross Switzerland has therefore been committed to the SOCMED program for those affected by Agent Orange in Vietnam. The Switzerland-Vietnam Association demands justice for the victims of this chemical weapon and, together with medico international switzerland, is involved in projects to alleviate their suffering.

“The use of Agent Orange by the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War stands as a sad example of the unimaginable suffering that military targets can cause to civilians. It is of great importance not to forget the devastating effects of Agent Orange and to continue to provide support to the affected people, as those responsible for its use unfortunately largely shirk their responsibility,” says Martin Bäumle, CEO of Green Cross Switzerland and member of the National Council.

Green Cross Switzerland and the Switzerland-Vietnam Association are organizing a stand campaign on Hechtplatz and on Bahnhofstrasse in front of Pestalozzi-Wiese in Zurich on August 10 to commemorate the victims of Agent Orange and to inform the public about the ongoing relief projects.

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