Under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Vietnam has made significant progress in protecting and promoting the rights of vulnerable groups such as women, children, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities and migrants. These efforts clearly demonstrate the Vietnamese Government’s commitment to protecting human rights and leaving no one behind.
Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet: Vietnam had a very successful Dialogue Session on the UPR IV Report |
Discussion and exchange to improve the effectiveness of participation in the UPR mechanism |
Perfecting legal policies to protect vulnerable groups
In recent years, Vietnam has made significant progress in amending and improving its legal system to protect the rights of vulnerable groups. In particular, the 2019 Labor Code is a breakthrough, with specific provisions to ensure equality and non-discrimination in labor, especially for female workers, people with disabilities and migrant workers. These reforms clearly demonstrate Vietnam's commitment to complying with international conventions such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
In addition, the Law on Gender Equality and the Law on Children have also been adjusted and supplemented, reflecting the needs of modern society and ensuring that no one is left behind in the process of socio-economic development. These regulations are not only legal in nature but also bring about profound changes in the awareness and actions of authorities at all levels and people about the importance of protecting the rights of vulnerable groups.
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| The joy of children in the highlands. (Photo: VNA) |
Women and children - need special attention
In the field of women’s protection, especially pregnant women, health and social welfare policies have been strengthened to ensure that they receive the best health care. The National Decent Work Programme launched in March 2023 is a good example of the Vietnamese Government’s efforts to create sustainable, safe and equal working conditions for both women and men.
Regarding children, initiatives to support children in remote areas to access quality education have made significant progress. According to the report, the primary school attendance rate of children with disabilities has reached 88.7%, an impressive figure given the difficult educational infrastructure and socio-economic conditions in many areas. Vietnam is also actively participating in international programs to prevent violence and abuse against children, notably the Global Alliance 8.7 to eliminate child labor in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 8.7).
Ensuring people with disabilities have access to opportunities
According to the National Report on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Vietnam under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle IV of the United Nations Human Rights Council, published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with about 7 million people with disabilities, accounting for more than 7% of the population, Vietnam is gradually perfecting its legal and policy framework to ensure that people with disabilities have full access to education, health care and employment services. Policies to support careers, create jobs and livelihoods for people with disabilities have had positive results, with 17,000 - 20,000 people with disabilities receiving vocational training each year and the success rate in finding jobs reaching over 50%. These figures reflect the deep concern of the Government and society for ensuring the rights of people with disabilities, thereby contributing to creating conditions for them to better integrate into the community.
In particular, Vietnam has implemented a series of measures to improve transport infrastructure, build priority lanes, and arrange ticket gates specifically for people with disabilities at train stations and airports. Furthermore, the rate of people with disabilities with access to health insurance is up to 95%, ensuring that they receive adequate and standard health care.
Promoting cultural values and protecting the rights of ethnic minorities
Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country with 54 ethnic groups and protecting the rights of ethnic minorities is always a priority in national policies. The Government has implemented the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development of Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021-2030 period, with a capital of up to 137 trillion VND (equivalent to about 5.6 billion USD). This program not only aims to reduce poverty but also aims to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values, languages and scripts of ethnic minorities.
In addition, Vietnam has organized official teaching and learning of 6 ethnic minority languages in general schools in 22 provinces and cities, with the participation of more than 174,000 students, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting and promoting the languages and cultures of ethnic minorities.
International cooperation to prevent human trafficking
One of the major challenges facing Vietnam is human trafficking, especially women and children. Vietnam has actively participated in international cooperation mechanisms such as the ASEAN Convention and the Bali Process, as well as signed bilateral cooperation agreements with many countries to prevent human trafficking. In addition, domestic efforts have also been stepped up with a series of peak periods to combat and handle human trafficking crimes, to protect victims and support their reintegration into the community. From 2018 to 2022, 440 human trafficking cases were detected and handled.
The progress in protecting and promoting the rights of vulnerable groups in Vietnam not only reflects the Government’s commitment but also demonstrates the important role of the UPR mechanism. Under the supervision and support of this mechanism, Vietnam has been gradually affirming its position in the field of human rights protection, while creating conditions for all people, especially vulnerable groups, to live in an environment of equality, safety and sustainable development.
Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/viet-nam-tang-cuong-bao-ve-quyen-loi-cho-cac-nhom-yeu-the-trong-khuon-kho-co-che-ra-soat-dinh-ky-pho-quat-upr-205391.html
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