The victims were among the 39 found dead in a refrigerated lorry in Essex, the northeast of London, on November 23.

The repatriation of the victims’ bodies and ashes was the result of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s instructions and the concerted efforts of the Foreign Ministry, the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK and related agencies, and local authorities in working closely with the UK side, guiding the victims’ families in completing the necessary procedures and organizing the transportation.

The Vietnam Airlines Corporation also provided active support for the repatriation.

The verification, citizen protection and transportation of the victims to their homes were conducted in a humanitarian spirit and in accordance with international law as well as the laws and customs of both countries.