Viet Nam strives to build a safer digital environment to protect children online

Ha Noi, 21 August 2026 – The Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with support from the European Union Delegation (EU) through the EU Justice and Legal Empowerment Programme, Phase II (EU JULE II), today convened a Policy Dialogue on “Child Protection in the Digital Environment: Legal Frameworks and Practice of Implementation”, bringing together representatives from government ministries and agencies, justice and law enforcement institutions, the judiciary, development partners, civil society, academia, professional associations and the private sector. 

The Policy Dialogue provides a platform to review Viet Nam’s progress, exchange international experience and good practices, discuss legal and implementation challenges, and identify priorities for strengthening child online protection in Viet Nam. The discussions focused on ways to both strengthen the legal and policy framework, and translate laws and policies into effective action for children. 

Research by the ‘WeProtect’ Global Alliance – which aims to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse online - estimates that more than 300 million children under the age of 18 have been affected by online child sexual exploitation and abuse in a 12-month period. In Viet Nam, the 2022 ‘Disrupting Harm’ study by ECPAT, INTERPOL and UNICEF found that 89 per cent of children aged 12–17 were internet users, and that 2 per cent of children aged 15–17 reported having exchanged sexual images or videos for money or gifts. 

Viet Nam has demonstrated strong leadership in international efforts to combat cybercrime and protect children online. In April 2026, Viet Nam became the second country in the world to ratify the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (the “Hanoi Convention”), a landmark treaty that addresses online child sexual abuse and exploitation material, online grooming, and other cyber-enabled crimes. This milestone underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and enhancing protection for children in the digital environment.

Speaking at the Dialogue, Mr. Hoàng Thanh Tùng, Minister of Justice, said: “Protecting children in the digital environment is no longer simply a matter of theoretical warnings, nor is it the sole responsibility of any individual or group of organisations. It has become an urgent national and global imperative, requiring a whole-of-society effort and the highest level of shared responsibility.”

“Every child has the right to safety, dignity, privacy, participation, development, and access to justice. In the digital environment, these rights must be upheld just as firmly as in the offline world”, said H.E. Julien Guerier, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Viet Nam. “We are committed to supporting efforts that strengthen the justice sector, uphold child rights, and build a safer digital environment for every child” 

“Digital technologies are transforming children’s lives, creating new opportunities while also exposing them to risks such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and privacy violations. Every child has the right to participate in the digital world safely. UNICEF remains committed to supporting Viet Nam in advancing laws and policies that protect children’s rights in the digital age”, said Ms. Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Viet Nam.

The Dialogue builds on Viet Nam’s existing legal and policy foundations, including the Law on Children, the Cybersecurity Law, the Penal Code and other relevant instruments, while recognizing that rapid technological change requires continued legal review, stronger enforcement capacity and more effective support for children affected by online harms. 

Participants emphasized that laws alone are not enough. Effective child online protection requires trained professionals, child-friendly reporting and complaint mechanisms, accessible support services, digital literacy for children and caregivers, and strong collaboration across justice, law enforcement, education, health, social welfare, civil society and technology sectors. 

The Policy Dialogue is expected to contribute to identify priority actions to build a safer, healthier and more enabling digital ecosystem for children in Viet Nam.

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Note for Editors

About EU JULE II
The EU Justice and Legal Empowerment Programme, Phase II (EU JULE II), implemented from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030, aims to strengthen the rule of law and protect the rights of all people in Viet Nam. In line with Resolution No. 27-NQ/TW, the Constitution and Vietnamese laws, the programme supports key legal and justice sector institutions to enhance their capacity to protect people’s legitimate rights and improve access to justice. It contributes to a more people-centred, accountable and inclusive justice system, where all individuals—especially those in vulnerable situations—can access quality, transparent and rights-based legal and judicial services.

Media Contact:

Nguyen Thi Thanh HUONG (Ms), Communications Specialist, UNICEF Viet Nam

Mobile: 84-(0) 904 154 678 | Phone: 84 (024) 3850-0225 | Email: [email protected]