Seminar seeks ways to protect child rights in urban areas

ABO/VNA – The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) held a consultation seminar in the central city of Da Nang on August 28, discussing issues related to children in urban areas to build a national action programme for the young.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

The event focused its discussions on child-friendly city initiatives, solutions for children in urban and migration context from the perspectives of localities.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Trung Chinh said over the past years, the city has paid attention to social welfare issues and effectively carried out child protection and education programmes, contributing to creating a healthy social environment and ensuring comprehensive development of children.

He affirmed that the city will develop child work and prioritise land for demands involving children, especially recreational areas and parks, while improving the network of health care, education and child care services, spreading community-based models in support of children under special circumstances.

It will enhance coordination between agencies and localities in child care and development, particularly in the prevention and discovery of child abuse cases.

Director of the MoLISA’s Child Department Dang Hoa Nam suggested that the city should increase cooperation in exercising child rights, expanding ties between the municipal authorities and business community, social and vocational organizations in the field.

He said urban authorities should zone off infrastructure to ensure child rights, incorporate enforcement goals into local socio-economic development strategies and plans, and encourage social organisations to deal with child issues and facilitate public services.

Lesley Miller, UNICEF Deputy Representative, said child-friendly city initiative attracts 3,300 cities globally, ensuring the sustainable development of cities, provinces and countries at present and in the future.

(Source: VNA)