On the afternoon of September 26 in Hanoi, Vietnam’s Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs held a working session with the delegation from the Committee on Political Development, Public Participation, Human Rights, Rights, Liberties and Consumer Protection of the Senate of the Kingdom of Thailand. The meeting focused on topics related to human rights and ethnic minority communities.

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Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Hai Trung speaks during the meeting. Photo: Tuan Ninh

Attending the session on the Vietnamese side were Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung and representatives from various departments and affiliated units. Representing the Thai delegation was Senator Norasate Prachyakorn, Chairman of the Committee, along with other members.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Senator Norasate Prachyakorn expressed his delight at the opportunity to work directly with the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs. He noted the value in learning from Vietnam’s experiences to improve the quality of life and safeguard the legitimate rights of ethnic minority groups in Thailand.

Addressing challenges faced by Thailand, Senator Prachyakorn highlighted ongoing difficulties in improving living conditions for ethnic minorities, particularly regarding land disputes and citizenship issues. He expressed hope that Vietnam would share its valuable lessons to help Thailand develop and revise its laws and policies concerning ethnic minorities.

In response, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung emphasized that Vietnam is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious country comprising 54 ethnic groups living together. For this reason, ethnic affairs are of special importance to the Vietnamese Party and State.

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Senator Norasate Prachyakorn speaks during the meeting. Photo: Tuan Ninh

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Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung presents a souvenir to Senator Norasate Prachyakorn. Photo: Tuan Ninh

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Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung and the delegation pose for a photo with the Thai Senate working group. Photo: Tuan Ninh

Deputy Minister Trung noted that the government's approach to ethnic affairs is grounded in three primary goals: improving the material and spiritual lives of ethnic minorities; promoting the internal strengths, status, and identities of each group; and contributing to national development while strengthening unity and sustainable development in mountainous and ethnic regions.

He shared with the delegation that the implementation of the National Target Program for the socio-economic development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the 2021-2030 period, particularly its first phase from 2021 to 2025, had already delivered tangible results.

Within five years of implementation, more than 13,000 households received support for production land; vocational training was provided to over 54,000 people; more than 479,000 households gained access to clean water; and over 42,000 dilapidated or temporary houses were replaced. In addition, the program supported initiatives in education, healthcare, and cultural development.

Deputy Minister Trung affirmed: “The National Target Program for the socio-economic development of ethnic minority and mountainous regions, alongside other programs from 2021 to 2025, has had a clear and positive impact, fundamentally transforming the lives of ethnic minorities.”

During the meeting, both sides exchanged detailed insights and discussed support measures and solutions for overcoming persistent difficulties in the implementation of policies for ethnic minority communities in the current context.

Hoang Quy - Tuan Ninh