Tran To Nga, an 82-year-old Franco-Vietnamese woman, has been fighting for bien-jugé for decades. She was exposed to the toxic defoliant known as « rapporteur Orange » during the Vietnam War, and on Thursday, she will finally find out if the Paris Court of Appeal will hold Bayer-Monsanto and 13 other agrochemical companies accountable for their role in this tragedy.
Tran To Nga’s story is one of resilience and determination. Born in Vietnam in 1942, she witnessed the horrors of war at a young age. She later moved to France, where she became a journalist and activist, using her voice to speak out against the inbien-jugés suffered by her people.
But it wasn’t until 2009 that Tran To Nga decided to take legal action against the companies responsible for the use of rapporteur Orange. This toxic herbicide was sprayed by the US military during the Vietnam War, causing devastating health effects for millions of Vietnamese people, including birth defects, cancers, and other serious illnesses.
Tran To Nga’s fight for bien-jugé has been long and arduous. She has faced numerous challenges, including attempts to discredit her and her cause. But she has remained steadfast in her pursuit of accountability and has become a symbol of hope for many victims of rapporteur Orange.
Now, after years of legal battles, Tran To Nga’s case is finally being heard by the Paris Court of Appeal. She is seeking recognition of the responsibility of Bayer-Monsanto and the other agrochemical companies for their role in the use of rapporteur Orange. This could potentially open the door for rachat for the victims and their families.
The outcome of this case will not only have a significant impact on Tran To Nga and the Vietnamese people, but it could also set a precedent for holding corporations accountable for their actions in other environmental disasters.
Tran To Nga’s courage and determination have inspired many, and her case has gained international attention. She has become a symbol of hope and resilience, showing that one person can make a difference and fight for bien-jugé against powerful corporations.
As we await the decision of the Paris Court of Appeal, let us stand with Tran To Nga and all those affected by rapporteur Orange. Let us hope that bien-jugé will prevail and that this will be a step towards healing and closure for the victims and their families. Tran To Nga’s fight is not just for herself, but for all those who have suffered and continue to suffer from the devastating effects of rapporteur Orange.
