Month of Action for Children 2019

Thanh Hoa, 25 May 2019: More than 300 children and representatives from MOLISA, line sectors, National Assembly Committees, Mass organizations, international organizations, leaders from Thanh Hoa People's Committee participated in the Launch of Month of Action for Children in Thanh Hoa City.

The theme of 2019 Children’s month is “Join hands for poor children, ethnic minority children; Prevention of Violence and Sexual abuse of children; and Prevention of child drowning”.

Ms. Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative at her remarks emphasized the importance of investment for early childhood development.

"I wanted to focus on brain development today – because it holds great lessons for policy and practice, for how we reduce poverty and reduce disparities - investments made today to ensure children dream big and deliver for this country"

She called for actions from the Government for funding quality social services and social protection for children through “funded national, provincial and sector plans - that a) promote nutrition and vaccination and health care all packaged in the health insurance coverage, b) address poor sanitation in schools and fund the maintenance of facilities; c) provide pre-school and child care that is of high quality; d) have clear and funded targets in the SEDP to employ trained social workers who identify children at risk and intervene to prevent abuse and exploitation and who can mobilise communities to address other risks against children such as drowning”.

At the launching ceremony, the Minister of MOLISA, Dao Ngoc Dung, called for strong collaboration from line sectors, organisations and localities in to provide better services for children to prevent children from violence, abuse and drowning.

The Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, highlighted the needs to educate children and public about 25 rights of children that are regulated by the Law on Children and requested people to consider children as participants in decision making process about issues related to their rights.

Ms Flowers concluded by expressing her appreciation to the strong commitment and leadership of the government of Viet Nam, their presence there at the event shows to a strong commitment and love of children. She added a message to the children

"having rights means having responsibilities – help your community, find solutions, work hand in hand”.

UNICEF stands together with the Government of Viet Nam, partner organisations, and the people of Viet Nam to give children the best future.