On May 16, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that it is developing a “comprehensive, multi-year plan for Agent Orange-related activities in Vietnam.” USAID is inviting all interested parties to submit their recommendations, ideas and comments about how best to end the legacy of Agent Orange in Vietnam.
Last year the U.S. government became the largest single foreign donor on the issue of Agent Orange in Vietnam. The USAID request for comment is a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to contribute their experience and ideas to influencing the approach the U.S. government will follow over the next few years to address this remaining legacy of the war in Vietnam.
The U.S.-Vietnam Dialogue Group on Agent Orange/Dioxin has submitted a three-page statement of its recommendations. These recommendations include cleaning up dioxin at all remaining dioxin “hot spots“, upgrading social services for people with disabilities, advancing disabilities rights, augmenting professional and managerial skills of local partners and encouraging new funding mechanisms.The Dialogue Group’s recommendations to USAID are supported by analyses in its Second Year Report (released May 31st, 2012).
