Madeleine Riffaud: Compassionate Peace Warrior with Heart for Vietnam

	VUFO, Frienship Association Congratulate Madeleine Riffaud on 100th Birthday
	Farewell to Madeleine Riffaud - Valiant Soldier For Peace

In a condolence letter to the family of Madeleine Riffaud, a dear and loyal friend of the Vietnamese people who passed away on November 6th, Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) President Phan Anh Son expressed the deep gratitude of the Vietnamese people.

Madeleine Riffaud had the honor of meeting President Ho Chi Minh on September 19, 1966 in Hanoi. (File photo)"

The President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) shared that Madeleine Riffaud was born on August 23, 1924, in the village of Arvillers in the Somme Province of northern France. At the age of 18, she joined the fight against Nazi Germany, becoming one of France’s revolutionary icons of courage during World War II.

Madeleine Riffaud was not only a war correspondent but also one of the earliest activists against colonialism.

As a journalist for L’Humanité, the official newspaper of the French Communist Party, she covered and reported on conflicts in many war zones, from Algeria to Vietnam.

Her first visit to Vietnam was in 1955 to report on the aftermath of the historic Battle of Dien Bien Phu. Later, she became one of the first foreign war correspondents to document and film the heroic resistance of Vietnamese forces and civilians during the anti-American war.

Riffaud authored numerous impactful articles and invaluable footage, including two notable books: Dans les acquis de Vietcong (Inside the Viet Cong Base Areas), published in 1965, and Au Nord du Vietnam, escrit sous les bombes (In Northern Vietnam, Written Under Bombs), published in 1967 in France. Her footage captured the harrowing scenes of U.S. B-52 bombers dropping bombs on Hanoi and Hai Phong in 1972.

Her works highlighted the bravery of the Vietnamese people and the devastating toll of war, resonating strongly in France and internationally. They played a significant role in rallying global progressive forces to support Vietnam's struggle for peace and gave Vietnam an advantage in the negotiations leading to the Paris Peace Accords.

After peace was restored, Madeleine Riffaud continued to hold Vietnam close to her heart, considering it her second homeland. She remained committed to supporting the Vietnamese people.

Riffaud actively participated in the activities of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association, supported victims of Agent Orange, and helped disadvantaged communities in Vietnam.

In recognition of her tremendous contributions to Vietnam, the Vietnamese government awarded her the First-Class Resistance Medal in 1984 and the Friendship Order in 2004.

After the war ended in Vietnam, Madeleine Riffaud continued to hold a special place in her heart for Vietnam, considering it her second home. She remained deeply committed to supporting the Vietnamese people.

In a letter of condolence, VUFO President Phan Anh Son wrote:

"The passing of Comrade Madeleine Riffaud is an immense loss for all of us. The country and people of Vietnam have lost a great friend who always held an unwavering and steadfast affection for Vietnam.

On behalf of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, I extend my deepest condolences to Madeleine Riffaud’s family, friends, and loved ones.

Though Madeleine Riffaud has departed for eternity, her memory—a courageous peace fighter with a compassionate heart forever devoted to Vietnam—will remain etched in the hearts of the Vietnamese people and peace-loving individuals worldwide.

Madeleine Riffaud’s life stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the peoples of France and Vietnam.

The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and other people-to-people friendship associations in Vietnam will continue to nurture the strong traditional ties between the two nations, striving for a world of peace, stability, and prosperity.

May Comrade Madeleine Riffaud rest in peace."

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