Introduction
ISSUE Their circumstances are almost uniformly grim. Few children in Viet Nam live in institutions. Many more struggle to survive on their own. Some are forced to work. And others live on the streets – a scenario that places them at high risk of contracting HIV, using drugs and falling prey to crime and sex work. There are many complex reasons why children are trapped in these difficult situations. Economic factors such as poverty, income disparities and the shift to a market economy have made more children vulnerable. Social trends such as, migration, disintegrating family values and gender discrimination also harm children. Systemic issues such as the lack of a comprehensive legal framework, poor law enforcement and limited understanding of child protection threaten children as well. Accelerating HIV infections also place children at higher risk. Compounding the problem is the fact that Viet Nam does not have a comprehensive child protection system or formal child protection services. Their absence thwarts efforts to reach out to and care for children in need of special protection. The Government of Viet Nam is starting to tackle these issues. With direct support from UNICEF, the Government is developing a National Child Protection Strategy that creates a protective structure and system for children for the period 2006-2015. UNICEF’S RESPONSE UNICEF supports the Government’s efforts to improve its overall strategy and structures in child protection and establish a child-friendly justice system. The following are among UNICEF’s key strategies and activities in child protection: Advocacy and policy development: UNICEF shares technical expertise, tools and best practices, and supports research and monitoring to help the Government develop and revise child protection laws, policies and strategies. UNICEF has also helped the Government encourage the involvement of civil society and the private sector in providing protection services for children. Capacity building: UNICEF supports the design and development of social work, child protection structures, and professional standards and procedures. UNICEF also believes training in social work, child protection and psychosocial care is an important strategy in strengthening overall child protection. Thus, UNICEF helps develop curriculum and materials, and trains instructors teaching social work in universities and colleges. In addition, UNICEF supports the development and delivery of short-term training programs for staff in the key government agencies. Building models and leveraging resources for child protection: UNICEF supplies both technical and financial assistance for the development and implementation of community-based child protection models. These models can later be replicated and used as the basis of future of laws and policies Awareness raising and participation: UNICEF helps to raise awareness about child protection, change attitudes towards vulnerable children, and introduce behaviour change among political and social leaders; the media; communities; and families. UNICEF also empowers children by encouraging their participation in child protection activities. In addition, UNICEF has helped cultivate and strengthen the participation of civil organizations and private sectors in child protection. PARTNERSHIPS In the area of child protection, UNICEF works closely with government agencies (including the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; Ministry of Justice; and the Ministry of Public Security), NGOs, UN agencies, grassroots organizations such as the Women’s Union, Youth Union, religious organizations, universities, professional associations, families, the media, and most importantly, children and young people.
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