Introduction
Protection, care and education of children are one of the best traditional practices of Vietnam. That
tradition has been protected, respected and promoted. The attention and care of children are more
evident since Vietnam has signed the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990; which
is a strong commitment of the Government of Socialist Republic of Vietnam regarding of protection, care
and education of children, ensuring all children are subject to equal treatment and best conditions for full
potential development and a safe and healthy living environment so that all children are entitled to basic
rights and fulfil their obligations.
Vietnam has been developing and improving its legislation in general as well as child care and protection
legislation and policy. Vietnam’s legislation has reflected international standards and harmonious
adoption of them in Vietnam’s specific context. This is the legal framework to ensure the exercise of
child rights. However, in accompanied with rapidly increasing and diversified social relationships in child
protection, the legal regulations in child protection need continuously review assessment and revision to
accommodate Vietnam context as well as international legislations.
Facing this situation, Department of Legislation, Ministry of Labour, war Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA)
has cooperated with expertise of some relevant ministries and agencies to conduct the assessment of legal
documents, focusing on legislation for children in special circumstances; comparing with international
legislation to identify the shortcomings and limitation of Vietnam legislation and on that basis, making
recommendations for the improvement of Vietnam’s legislation to ensure the harmonious development
with international legislation and standards.
This document of “Assessment of child protection law and policy, particularly for children in special
circumstances in Vietnam” will be helpful for managers, policy makers, child protection workers to make
references and apply in their context, contributing its part on the protection, care and education of
children.
We would like to express our gratitude towards legal experts, managers, and officers of relevant ministries,
agencies, localities and international organisations in the area of child protection who have participated
in the development process and contributed their views for this report. We also would like to thank
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for its provision of technical experts and financial supports for
the development and printing of this document.
It is recognised that there will be shortcomings in the development process of this document. Therefore,
any feedbacks and comments from readers shall be appreciated and considered for the next revision.
DEPARTMENT OF LEGISLATION
MINISTRY OF LABOUR, WAR INVALIDS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
