UNICEF Viet Nam’s Representative, Mr Youssouf Abdel-Jelil, applauded Viet Nam’s National Assembly for voting in three, significant, legal milestones in relation to children’s rights that have been officially endorsed by the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Mr Truong Tan Sang.
Ha Noi, 11 December 2014 – UNICEF Viet Nam’s Representative, Mr Youssouf Abdel-Jelil, applauded Viet Nam’s National Assembly for voting in three, significant, legal milestones in relation to children’s rights that have been officially endorsed by the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Mr Truong Tan Sang.
“Twenty four years ago, Viet Nam demonstrated its global leadership in recognizing the rights of children by being the second country in the world to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We are delighted and proud that Viet Nam has once again shown its leadership in ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD), creating the first ever specialized court for children, and legally recognizing the right to birth registration and a birth certificate for all children in this country,” said Mr Youssouf Abdel-Jelil.
The ratification of the CRPD represents a major landmark in Viet Nam’s human rights journey and builds upon the important steps the Government has taken in relation to the seven million people, and children, with disabilities. The CRPD is an important international human rights treaty that marks a major shift in the way societies view people with disabilities, from objects of charity to ‘rights holders’ and ‘subjects of law’ with full participation in laws, policies and decisions that affect them. By ratifying the CRPD, Viet Nam joins 151 countries across the world that are committed to enhance inclusion and break down barriers faced by children and adults with disabilities.
The creation of Viet Nam’s first ever specialized children’s court – the Family and Juvenile Court – with the passage of the Law on Court Organization signifies an important step forward to ensure that children are better served and protected by the justice system. It addresses a critical recommendation that has been strongly advocated by the Committee on the Rights of the Child urging Viet Nam “to… establish a specialized juvenile court ..”
The passage of the Law on Civil Status ensures the right to birth registration, including a guaranteed provision of a birth certificate, for all children in Viet Nam. Birth registration is a fundamental right of every child. A birth certificate is a personal and legal document issued to an individual by the State. It the most visible evidence of a government’s legal recognition of the existence of a child as a member of society and is vital for the protection of other rights.
“These legal achievements are especially meaningful for Viet Nam as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, said Mr Abdel-Jelil. “UNICEF is proud to have been a key partner throughout Viet Nam’s historic journey to promote all children’s rights to survive and thrive, to learn and grow, to make their voices heard and to reach their full potential.”
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF Viet Nam and its work visit: http://www.unicef.org/vietnam
For further information, please contact:
- Ms. Laura Ngô-Fontaine, UNICEF Việt Nam, Tel: +84.4-3.942.5706 ext 271 or 0966539673; email: lngofontaine@unicef.org
- Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Hương, UNICEF Việt Nam, Tel: +84.4-3.942.5706 ext 401 or 0904154678; email: ntthuong@unicef.org