The conference on the comprehensive development policy for children.

Vietnam prides on important progress in the implementation of children's rights, especially the internalization of the provisions and principles of international conventions on children and integrate them into national law, policies and national programs.

Although society has made a lot of progress, in this world for every 1 minute there is a child who lost his/her life because of violence. Every year, thousands of children in the world are abused physically and mentally. Up to ¾ of children confess to be abused by the adults. It is the responsibility of state agencies and families to stop child abuse.

Thirty years ago, in 1989, the UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Vietnam is the first country in Asia and the second country in the world to ratify this convention.

Vietnam identifies that caring for and protecting children is an investment in the future, which ensures sustainable development so that no one will be left behind, especially the children in disadvantaged areas and those with disabilities. In that spirit, the political commitments and strong leadership of the Vietnamese State in the implementation of children's rights has helped improve the lives of millions of children in the country.

Regarding the legal corridor, the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and many other legal documents related to children have clearly expressed the consistent views on the protection, care and education of children as a national strategic issue.

Specifically, the Vietnamese Constitution 2013 provides a chapter on human rights and specific provisions on children's rights.

Following the provisions of the Constitution, the Child Law 2016 provides a fundamental legal framework to ensure the full implementation of the rights of all children with provisions that are more in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The 2015 Penal Code has made many progressive provisions aimed at strengthening recovery for juveniles who violate the law. However, this Code still needs to be amended to comply with Vietnam's commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to protect children from sexual abuse.

Significant advances in the exercise of children's rights in Vietnam

In September 2019, the Council of Judges of the Supreme People's Court passed Resolution No. 06/2019/NQ-HDTP guiding the application of a number of provisions on Articles 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147 of the Penal Code and the trial of cases of sexual abuse against people under 18 years of age. The resolution has created a stronger legal basis to fairly protect both girls and boys under 18 from sexual abuse, removing many difficulties and obstacles in practice and setting many measures to make the trial process more friendly, more sensitive and better meet the special needs of minors, under the spirit of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and good examples in the world.

In order to achieve sustainable development and social justice, fully aware of the importance of inclusive child development, the Government of Vietnam is implementing a more comprehensive and focused child care strategy, which focuses on care of the early years of a child's life. On October 19, 2018, the Prime Minister issued the project "Caring for the comprehensive development of children in the early years of life at home and in the community in the period of 2018-2025". With this decision, Vietnam has become one of 69 countries in the world that have issued a national comprehensive project on "Care for the Comprehensive Development of Children".

Looking back on the 30 years of implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is undeniable that Vietnam's achievements and progress in the implementation of children's rights have brought Vietnamese children a better life. Specifically, the fatality rate of children under five years of age has decreased by ¾; more than seven million children have been vaccinated and high immunization rates have helped eradicate polio, neonatal tetanus and control measles; the percentage of stunted children halved; with 95% of children going to school at the right age, Vietnam has reached the universal primary milestone, with the highest ever number of children attending school in the country’s history; Significant improvements have also been made in areas such as water and sanitation for children.

In the future, protecting children is still a matter that needs stronger action. Vietnam is committed to furthering the legal framework to conform to international standards. Besides, Vietnam has identified three groups of priority issues, including: Comprehensive development policies for children aged 0 - 8 years old; completion of the legal system and policies related to adolescents from 16 to under 18 years old; and the integration of indicators on child protection and the implementation of children's rights in the country’s socio-economic development plan and the state budget allocation plan.

Thirty years ago, in 1989, the UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Vietnam is the first country in Asia and the second country in the world to ratify this convention.

Ms. Rana Flowers, UNICEF Country Representative in Vietnam said that Vietnam can be proud of the important progress in the implementation of children's rights, especially the internalization of the provisions and principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, national policies and programs.

However, Ms. Rana Flowers also recommended that in the coming time, Vietnam should pay more attention to the guiding principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. "Guiding principles will ensure that Vietnam can meet its promises to children in the next 30 years," said Rana Flowers.

Tran Hang