Vietnam remains devoted to children

 

Vietnam vows to ensure the rights and well being of all children, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam stated at a ceremony on September 22 in Hanoi.

 

The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to mark the 40th anniversary of UNICEF-Vietnam co-operation.

 

Addressing the event, Deputy PM Dam spoke highly of the close and trusted co-operation between the Government of Vietnam and UNICEF over recent decades, saying that it has contributed to improving the living conditions of Vietnamese people, and children in particular.

 

Illustration image: Huu Chi

He also called for further support from UNICEF to Vietnam in the protection and care of children.

For her part, MoLISA Minister Nguyen Thi Hai Chuyen highlighted Vietnam’s achievements in improving the living standards of children throughout the country over the past four decades.

 

Between 1986 and 2014, the mortality rate among children under the age of 5 dropped by 80% while the rate of people with access to clean water more than doubled from 41% to 92%, according to Minister Chuyen.

 

Most Vietnamese children now have access to education and healthcare services, she said, adding that Vietnam has also witnessed a steep increase in children receiving polio and hepatitis B vaccines.

 

UN Resident Co-ordinator in Vietnam Pratibha Mehta spoke highly of the joint commitments between Vietnam and the UN, saying they are relevant and effective for a medium-income nation.

 

Meanwhile, Director of UNICEF’s East Asia and Pacific Regional Office (UNICEF EAPRO) Danial Toole expressed his belief that the commitments Vietnam has implemented will contribute to the strong development and bright future of children in the country.

 

UNICEF Chief Representative in Vietnam Youssouf Abdel Jelil affirmed that the organisation would continue working with Vietnam to develop relevant policies, mobilise resources and ensure the rights of children, especially among vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

 

A photo exhibition highlighting the 40 years of co-operation between Vietnam and UNICEF was also a part of the ceremony.

 

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)