Celebrating 50 Years of Viet Nam–UNICEF Partnership and 35 Years of Viet Nam’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Ha Noi, 26 November 2025 – The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF Viet Nam, today hosted a ceremony in Ha Noi to commemorate 50 years of Viet Nam–UNICEF cooperation and 35 years since Viet Nam ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The event celebrates five decades of partnership for every child and reaffirms Viet Nam’s strong commitment to protecting, promoting, and fulfilling children’s rights.

The ceremony brought together Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thành Long; Ms. June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific; Ms. Sophie Kiladze, Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child; and more than 200 participants, including children, leaders of national and provincial government agencies, diplomatic missions, international organizations, social organizations, partners, experts, and individuals who have contributed significantly to advancing child rights in Viet Nam.

UNICEF was the first United Nations agency to establish an office in Ha Noi following the country’s reunification in 1975 and has since worked closely with the Government to support children across Viet Nam. Over the past five decades, UNICEF has worked closely with the Government on key programmes that have transformed the lives of millions of children: expanded immunization, malnutrition prevention, maternal and child health care, improved water and sanitation, inclusive education, stronger child protection systems, and evidence-based policymaking. UNICEF has been an important partner in developing the Law on Children, promoting child-responsive budgeting, expanding social services, and helping Viet Nam respond to emerging challenges such as climate change, inequality, and online safety. These long-term efforts have laid strong foundations for Viet Nam’s significant progress on children’s rights over the past few decades.

In 1990, Viet Nam became the first country in Asia and the second in the world to ratify the CRC—an historic demonstration of national commitment to ensuring that every child can develop fully in all dimensions. 

In 1990, Viet Nam became the first country in Asia—and the second in the world—to ratify the CRC, affirming its commitment to ensuring every child can thrive physically, intellectually and emotionally. Over 35 years, Viet Nam has made remarkable strides: strengthened legal framework, with the 2016 Law on Children recognizing children as rights-holders; Greater child participation through Children’s Forums, Children’s Councils, and initiatives amplifying children’s voices in policymaking; 

Under-five mortality dropped from 58% (1990) to 16.9% (2024); Infant mortality fell from 44.4% to 11.3%; neonatal mortality from 44% to 9%; Full immunization coverage for children under one exceeded 90% in 2024; Underweight prevalence among under-fives declined from 38.7% (1998) to 10.4% (2024); Children in special circumstances reduced from 7% (2020) to 3.2% (2024); These achievements reflect the leadership of Viet Nam, the engagement of society, and strong, long-term cooperation with UNICEF and development partners. 

In the opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thành Long stated: “Fifty years of Viet Nam–UNICEF cooperation and 35 years of implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child reflect a journey of friendship, responsibility, and shared commitment. This is not only a reflection of the past but a strong foundation for a future where Viet Nam is sustainable, prosperous, and compassionate—where every child grows up safe, healthy, happy, and able to reach their full potential.” 

Ms. June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director, emphasized: “Viet Nam’s progress in advancing children’s rights is a testament to the Government’s leadership, the dedication of partners, and the resilience of communities. This new era offers a unique opportunity to invest in human capital—building a generation that is healthy, educated, and empowered. UNICEF will continue to work with the Government and partners to close gaps, harness digital opportunities safely, prepare young people for the future economy, and ensure climate resilience and social inclusion are central to every policy.” 

As the child rights expert, Ms. Sophie Kiladze, Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, noted: “Viet Nam made history as the first country in Asia to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. On this anniversary, the Committee calls on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to fully realizing children’s rights—especially for the most vulnerable. The choices we make today will shape the lives of generations to come.” 

Representing Vietnamese children and young people, Ms. Nguyen Pham Duy Trang, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union affirmed the strong commitment of young people to contributing to a child-friendly, inclusive future.  

Speaking on behalf of the national authority responsible for children’s affairs, Minister of Health Đào Hồng Lan affirmed: “Looking to the future, all our efforts today are directed toward a single goal: ensuring that every child in Viet Nam grows up in a safe and healthy environment, receives comprehensive care, and has the opportunity to fully develop their potential. The Ministry of Health is committed to continuing its cooperation with UNICEF, international organizations, ministries, sectors, and local authorities to turn these commitments into concrete and sustainable actions, aligned with strategic vision and long-term development priorities. We firmly believe that through close collaboration, innovation, the application of global knowledge and technology, and the active participation of children themselves, Viet Nam will build a solid foundation for its young generation, contributing to the development of a strong and prosperous nation.” 

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Prime Minister’s Certificate of Merit to UNICEF, recognizing its outstanding contributions over 50 years of partnership for children in Viet Nam.

This commemoration not only reflects on past achievements but also opens a new chapter of cooperation—toward a future where every child in Viet Nam is protected, cared for, and able to thrive, with no one left behind. 

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh HUONG, UNICEF Viet Nam; Tel: 84 (024) 3850-0225; Email: [email protected]
Mr. Tran Van THAO, Administration of Maternal and Children’s Affairs, Ministry of Health; Tel: 84 0914349967;