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| Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long presents the Prime Minister’s Certificate of Merit to UNICEF Vietnam at the Ceremony Celebrating 50 Years of Partnership between Vietnam and UNICEF and 35 Years since Vietnam's Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, held on November 26 in Hanoi. — Photo: VNA |
On November 20, 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which took effect on September 2, 1990. Vietnam became the first country in Asia and the second in the world to ratify the Convention on February 20, 1990. The year 2025 marks 35 years of Vietnam’s implementation of the Convention, a long journey marked by numerous proud achievements and continuous efforts from the Government, social organizations and communities, with especially significant contributions from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Vietnam.
This year also marks 50 years of cooperation between Vietnam and the UNICEF toward the shared goal of ensuring that every child is healthy, safe, educated, and empowered to reach their full potential.
On this occasion, Việt Nam News and Law holds an interview with Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, to look back on these two important milestones and hear UNICEF Vietnam’s recommendations for the country in the years ahead.
How would you evaluate Vietnam’s progress and major accomplishments after 35 years of implementing the Convention?
Vietnam’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990 was a historic milestone - not only for the country but also for the region and globally. As the first country in Asia and the second in the world to do so, Vietnam demonstrated a bold and visionary commitment to children’s rights and well-being.
Over the past 35 years, the progress has been remarkable. The under-five mortality rate dropped from 52 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to just 16.9 in 2024 - a clear sign of improved healthcare and maternal services. Over the same period, stunting among children under five fell by more than half, from 44 to 18.2 percent, reflecting better nutrition and early childhood care. Access to clean water and sanitation rose dramatically - from 45 percent and 29 percent in 1990 to 99 percent and 95 percent in 2024. These are not just numbers - they represent healthier, safer lives for millions of children.
Beyond service delivery, Vietnam has strengthened its legal and policy frameworks to protect children. The 2016 Law on Children, amendments to the Education Law and Labor Code, and the Law on Justice for Minors reflect a strong institutional commitment. The establishment of Family and Juvenile Courts, adoption of the Decree on Social Work, and creation of the National Committee for Children have further embedded child protection into justice and social systems. National Action Programs for Children ensure that child rights are not just aspirations - they are implemented across sectors.
In short, Vietnam’s accomplishments over the past 35 years have transformed the lives of girls and boys, laying a strong foundation for an inclusive and resilient future.
Drawing on UNICEF’s experience, what recommendations would you offer to help the country advance child protection in the coming period?
Drawing on UNICEF’s experience, I see several priorities for Vietnam to advance child protection in the coming period.
First, strengthen the legal and institutional framework. This includes revising the Law on Children to clearly define roles and responsibilities - from national to commune level - and to reflect the Ministry of Health’s role in managing child protection. A well-coordinated system ensures accountability and effective action.
Second, align with global standards by updating the definition of a child to include everyone under 18. Currently, those aged 16-17 are not fully protected under the law, leaving them vulnerable to violence and online risks. Expanding the definition will close this gap and safeguard all children.
Third, ensure adequate resources. Child protection requires dedicated budgets and trained personnel at provincial and commune levels. Without this, policies cannot translate into real protection.
Fourth, professionalize the workforce. Establish social work service centers in every province and build a national cadre of qualified social workers and trained community collaborators. These professionals are the backbone of an effective child protection system.
Finally, invest in data and participation. Strengthen data systems to inform evidence-based decisions and create mechanisms for children to have a voice in shaping policies that affect them.
If Vietnam takes these steps, it can build a comprehensive child protection system that truly keeps every girl and boy safe.
With technical support from UNICEF Vietnam, Vietnam has enacted the Law on Justice for Minors, as the first-ever legislation of its kind. The Law will officially come into force at the beginning of next year, demonstrating Vietnam’s commitment to protecting minors involved in legal proceedings. From your perspective, how can this Law be effectively implemented in practice?
The Law on Justice for Minors is a major step forward, but turning it into real impact requires four key priorities.
First, operationalize the National Juvenile Justice Council. Clear guidelines and supporting regulations will help agencies coordinate effectively, use resources wisely, and monitor progress in improving children’s lives.
Second, accelerate the establishment of Family and Juvenile Courts with specialized judges. Alongside this, all justice professionals need practical training on child-friendly and gender-sensitive approaches to ensure decisions truly reflect the best interests of the child.
Third, build strong, integrated support services. This includes legal aid, victim assistance, psychosocial counselling, and accessible diversion and restorative justice programs. These programs work - they help children take responsibility, address root causes, and reintegrate into their communities.
Finally, invest in social workers. They are often the ones walking alongside children and families throughout the justice process. Expanding their numbers and strengthening their training will make the system more effective and humane.
By focusing on these steps, Vietnam can turn the law into real action and deliver child-friendly justice outcomes
UNICEF Vietnam has worked alongside Vietnamese authorities for half a century to promote the rights and well-being of children. Could you share with us some highlights of UNICEF Vietnam’s outstanding projects over the past years as well as plans for the time to come?
It truly is a remarkable journey - one that reflects deep trust, shared purpose, and unwavering commitment to Vietnam’s children. Over the past five decades, UNICEF has grown alongside Vietnam, adapting to the country’s changing needs and aspirations. From emergency relief in the aftermath of war to building long-term systems that protect and empower children, this partnership has evolved in extraordinary ways.
It is hard to pinpoint just a few milestones, because every chapter tells a story of progress. Whether it was rebuilding classrooms in the late 1970s, pioneering nutrition models like the garden-pond-barn model to fight malnutrition, or supporting immunization campaigns that saved countless lives, each chapter tells a story of resilience and progress.
I have only been in Vietnam for a little over a year, but I have seen firsthand - and heard from colleagues and partners - that UNICEF’s presence is deeply embedded in the story of Vietnam’s progress for children.
Vietnam’s commitment to children has deep roots. Long before it ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, the country was already working hand in hand with UNICEF to support children to survive and thrive to their best potential.
What touches me most is the consistency of this partnership. Through every challenge - whether it was post-war recovery, economic transition, or the COVID-19 pandemic - UNICEF and Vietnam stood side by side, always asking: What more can we do for children’s rights?
This 50-year journey is not just about milestones. It is about millions of children whose lives have changed - who survived, learned, grew and thrived thanks to our partnership. And that, to me, is the most remarkable achievement of all.- (VLLF)
