In the plenary session of the Parliament presided over by the President of the Chamber of Representatives Eliane Tillieux, the parliamentarians listened to opinions regarding this resolution.
Lawmaker André Flahaut, who submitted the resolution to the Federal Parliament in December 2021, recounted his visit to Hoa Binh Village in Vietnam where he witnessed the devastating effects of AO on the Vietnamese people across generations. He underlined the need to build a "livable" future for future generations, especially in Vietnam.
Lawmaker Michel De Maegd said that the Vietnamese AO victims need long-term support because many areas have been contaminated with chemical toxins sprayed by the US troops during the war, and there is a need for soil and water decontamination. The AO issue in Vietnam has also caused ecological consequences.
Els Van Hoof, Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, said the approval of the resolution holds significance as this year marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Belgium diplomatic ties.
She called for protecting AO victims as millions of the Vietnamese people have been exposed to this chemical toxin during the war and continue facing long-term consequences such as illness, disabilities and contaminated land.
After the resolution was passed, Flahaut sent a letter to the Vietnamese Embassy expressing his joy that the Belgian Parliament has become the world's first legislature to approve a resolution supporting the AO victims of Vietnam.
On the occasion, he confirmed his commitment and determination to act for the women, men and children who are AO victims.
