Attending the seminar were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities), Mr. Michael Siegner (Head Representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Vietnam), research experts, and managers from the Ministry of National Defence, the National Center for Action to Address the Consequences of Chemical and Environmental Toxins, the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. Also present were many experts from various universities and research centers in Vietnam, Japan, and Germany; and lecturers and students from various faculties within the university, participating both in person and online via Zoom.
In his opening remarks, Vice Rector Dao Thanh Truong emphasized: Nearly half a century has passed since the end of the wars, yet their consequences remain deeply entrenched. Over the years, the Government and various levels of administration have implemented numerous policies, programs, and activities to help overcome the aftermath of war. Therefore, the theme chosen by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation and Justus-Liebig University GieBen for this report is truly significant in terms of science, practice, and humanistic values. The results presented in this report are highly reliable data with immense value in highlighting the issue of overcoming the consequences of war in Vietnam, raising awareness of the horrific consequences of war, and highlighting the need for global cooperation to prevent future wars. In addition, the report also offers many comprehensive proposals across various fields: economic, social, health, psychology, etc., aimed at minimizing the consequences of war and supporting war victims. Vice Rector Dao Thanh Truong also expressed his deep gratitude for the effective support and cooperation of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in conducting highly practical scientific research activities.
Associate Professor Dr. Dao Thanh Truong highly appreciated the scientific and practical significance of the topic as well as the research results published by the authors in the Report.
Mr. Michael (Head Representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Vietnam) shared: The Hanns Seidel Foundation is an independent organization with the mission of supporting partners in various countries in researching issues relevant to each country, supporting the implementation of projects on social welfare, employment, building legal frameworks on environmental issues, etc. By organizing this seminar and presenting the results in this report, we hope to open a space for scientists to engage in open dialogue and exchange on the issue of overcoming the consequences of war: economic recovery, handling chemical toxins, healthcare, and the mental well-being of war victims, helping them to have opportunities to improve their lives. We hope this publication will help researchers in Vietnam and around the world gain a comprehensive understanding of this topic.
Mr. Michael (Head Representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Vietnam) participated via Zoom.
Addressing the Consequences of War in Vietnam is the fourth publication in the series of National Reports on Vietnam, a collaborative effort between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), Justus Liebig University, Giessen (Germany), and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (Germany). This report also includes the collaboration of a new partner – the Hanoi Peace Research Institute (HANPRI).
Dr. Detlef Briesen (Justus-Liebig University, GieBen, Co-editor of the Report) shared on behalf of the research team: The report comprises nine studies focusing on highlighting several issues:
- In the 20th century, Vietnam faced numerous wars. Regardless of their form, all wars left behind extremely devastating consequences in all areas, with long-lasting impacts even after the armed conflict ended. Some consequences for people and the environment are immeasurable, affecting not just one generation but many generations to come.
- How did Vietnam rebuild after the war, given that there were many consequences that could not be completely erased, as some losses could not be recovered, and we could only mitigate the impact?
- Although the consequences of war are horrific, there are still research gaps, especially regarding post-war issues and how to mitigate and overcome their consequences, which have not received adequate attention. Current research often focuses primarily on the brutality of war when it occurs. Therefore, with this report, we hope to attract greater attention from researchers to provide comprehensive and feasible insights on the topic of contributing to overcoming the consequences of war in Vietnam.
Dr. Detlef Briesen (Justus-Liebig University, GieBen), on behalf of the authors, highlighted the main findings of the report.
Scientists participating in the discussion and commentary highly appreciated the results presented in the report, which provided a comprehensive overview of the topic: addressing the consequences of war in Vietnam. In particular, the research offered several solutions across various fields to help war victims overcome their physical and mental suffering. Participants also emphasized that although many projects related to addressing the consequences of war have been implemented in recent years – including demining, environmental improvement, support for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, and the establishment of centers for care, rehabilitation, and psychological therapy for war victims – these have been carried out by the Vietnamese government and domestic and international organizations.
The seminar attracted significant interest and engaged in lively and open discussions among researchers and managers from numerous universities, research institutes, and organizations both domestically and internationally.
However, the burden of war's consequences is immense, encompassing not only those directly involved in combat or civilians in war zones, but also those on the home front (families who lost children, wives who lost husbands, widows, and women left alone for life). This impact extends beyond just one generation, affecting multiple generations. The lives of veterans, family members of fallen soldiers, and victims of the chemical weapons used by the US to destroy large areas of Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s remain extremely difficult; they face daily physical and mental anguish. Therefore, addressing the consequences of war remains a significant issue requiring the full attention of the Vietnamese government, domestic organizations, and international partners. Comprehensive solutions encompassing economic, social, health, and educational aspects are needed to help victims of war alleviate some of their suffering and lead better lives.
The delegates attending the event took a commemorative photo.
The full text of the National Report on Overcoming the Consequences of War in Vietnam is available for your reference.
hereThe event received coverage and reporting from many news agencies and newspapers, including Dan Tri Online Newspaper, International Newspaper, and Labor and Social Affairs Newspaper, among others.
https://dantri.com.vn/an-sinh/vi-chien-tranh-nhieu-phu-nu-viet-nam-lo-do-mot-doi-cho-chong-20220916065735519.htm
https://baoquocte.vn/cong-bo-bao-cao-quoc-gia-viet-nam-2022-khac-phuc-hau-qua-chien-tranh-o-viet-nam-198396.html
http://laodongxahoi.net/cong-bo-bao-cao-quoc-gia-ve-khac-phuc-hau-qua-chien-tranh-o-viet-nam-1324646.html
http://thiduakhenthuongvn.org.vn/chinh-tri-xa-hoi/cong-bo-bao-cao-quoc-gia-viet-nam-2022-khac-phuc-hau-qua-chien-tranh-o-viet-nam
