Monument for Vietnamese Victims of Agent Orange in Paris

On April 25, 2026, the authorities of the 13th District of Paris (Republic of France), in coordination with the France-based Collectif Vietnam-Dioxin Association, the Committee supporting the lawsuit of Ms. Tran To Nga, and various Vietnamese associations and communities in Paris, held a ceremony for the inauguration of the memorial monument for Agent Orange victims at Choisy Park with the attendance of Maj Gen., Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Son - Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims (VAVA), and President of the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Association for Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims; Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai; and representatives of local authorities and associations.

Many organizations and individuals in France, together with the Vietnamese community, were present at the event. This project was undertaken at the initiative of the 13th District government, with donations from numerous French individuals and organizations, as well as the Vietnamese community. This marks the first time in the world that an official memorial has been erected to commemorate the victims of the chemical agents used in the war in Vietnam – agents that have left decades-long devastating consequences.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Daniel Tran, Paris Councillor for Public Spaces and International Relations, emphasized that bringing war memories into public spaces is not only an act of remembrance but also a commitment to the future. This is a way for us to remember the lessons of the past and to strive towards a more compassionate world. This memorial is the first one in France and Europe to commemorate millions of Agent Orange victims in the Vietnam War.

Ms. Audrey Pulvar, Deputy Mayor of Paris, stated that the memorial is a symbol of the city's support for the victims and the struggle for justice, human rights, and the environment. Among the attendants, the presence of Mr. Nay Djrueng – a victim from Gia Lai province of Vietnam – was deeply moving, a vivid testament to the horrific consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin.

At the event, Mr. Nguyen Hong Son expressed his gratitude for the French government and people. He emphasized that this is not only an expression of Vietnamese-French friendship, but also a special sentiment for the millions of victims who have suffered for over 60 years. He also appreciated the resilience of Ms. Tran To Nga and highly valued the participation of the younger generation in continuing historical memory and spreading the spirit of humanity.

Nga and lawyer William Bourdon expressed that the inauguration of the memorial is a special milestone in the enduring struggle of Agent Orange victims worldwide. She affirmed that she would continue the lawsuit to the end to fight against impunity and uphold international justice.