Viet Nam Association for the Protection of Child Rights

How would you assess Viet Nam’s progress in implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child since its ratification in 1990? 

Viet Nam’s decision to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1990 was a landmark moment—not only for the country but also for the region. It was the first country in Asia and the second in the world to do so, signalling a bold and visionary commitment to the rights, well-being, development and protection of children. 

Over the past 35 years, we’ve seen transformative progress. The under-five mortality rate has dropped dramatically—from 52 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to just 16.9 in 2024. This is a powerful indicator of improved access to healthcare and maternal services. Similarly, the prevalence of stunting among children under five has been reduced by more than half, from 44 per cent in 1990 to 18.2 per cent on 2023, reflecting better nutrition and early childhood care. 

Access to clean water and sanitation has also seen a remarkable increase —from 45 per cent and 29 per cent in 1990 to 99 per cent and 95 per cent respectively in 2024. These are not just statistics; they represent real, tangible improvements in the daily lives of millions of children. 

Through sustained investments, today, children in Viet Nam are more protected against violence, neglect and abuse than previous generations and the vast majority enjoy access to primary and secondary education and adequate healthcare and have a life expectancy surpassing that of their parents. All these are great achievements for child rights – the rights to health, nutrition, education, child and social protection 

Beyond service delivery, Viet Nam has made significant strides in improving its legal and policy frameworks. The 2016 Children’s Law, amendments to the Education Law and Labour Code, and the recent Law on Justice for Minors all reflect a growing institutional commitment to child rights. The establishment of Family and Juvenile Courts and the adoption of the Decree on Social Work are further examples of how Viet Nam is embedding child protection into its justice and social systems. 

The creation of the National Committee for Children and the implementation of National Action Plans for children have also helped ensure that child rights are not just aspirational, but operational across sectors. 

What are the key challenges Viet Nam still faces in advancing child rights, especially for vulnerable groups? 

While Viet Nam’s progress in advancing child rights is truly commendable, it’s important to recognize that significant challenges remain—particularly for the most vulnerable children who continue to face long-standing obstacles to their well-being and development. 

Last year, I had the opportunity to visit several remote and disaster-affected areas, including communities severely impacted by Typhoon Yagi. What I witnessed was both sobering and deeply moving. In the aftermath of the storm, many families were left without homes, schools, or access to basic services. Children in these areas struggled with disrupted education, limited healthcare, inadequate nutrition, and a lack of clean water and sanitation. The devastation was profound, and the path to recovery was clearly long and uncertain. 

Yet amid the hardship, what stood out most was the extraordinary resilience of these children and their families. Despite losing so much, their determination to rebuild their lives was unwavering. More recently, I returned to some of these villages where UNICEF has been supporting recovery efforts. I was heartened to see the progress: homes and schools have been repaired, essential services like healthcare, education, clean water and sanitation have been restored, and children have received psychosocial support to help them heal from the trauma. The joy in their eyes—the laughter, the playfulness, the sense of normalcy returning—is a powerful reminder of what every child deserves. 

However, these visits also reinforced a sobering truth: much more needs to be done. Children in remote and marginalized communities still require sustained support and protection to ensure their rights are fully realized. 

Socio-economic disparities continue to disproportionately affect children from ethnic minorities, those living with disabilities, and those impacted by migration or climate change. These children often face multiple, overlapping forms of exclusion. For instance, routine immunization coverage for children under one year declined significantly—from over 98 per cent in 2016 to 77 per cent by late 2023—leading to a measles outbreak in nearly every province by the end of 2024. Acute malnutrition remains a pressing issue, affecting more than 200,000 children annually, yet only 10 per cent receive the treatment they need. Childhood obesity is also on the rise, especially in urban areas, with nearly two million children projected to be obese by 2030. 

Violence against children is another persistent concern. Alarmingly, 72 per cent of children aged 1 to 14 experience violent discipline at home. Primary school enrolment remains significantly lower for children with disabilities and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. Upper secondary school completion is low nationwide (59 per cent), with rates among ethnic minorities as low as 16 per cent. Many schools still lack inclusive infrastructure and resources, particularly for children with disabilities. 

Children in Viet Nam are also facing new global challenges. Nearly all children in the country are exposed to three or more climate shocks—far above global and regional averages. Viet Nam is also on course to become an "aged society," with the proportion of children aged 0–14 expected to decline to around 17 per cent by 2050. Meanwhile, frontier technologies such as digital tools and AI offer new opportunities but also expose children to online risks, including exploitation and abuse. 

These challenges are complex and interconnected. They demand a comprehensive, multi-sectoral response that places the rights and needs of every child—regardless of their background—at the center of national development efforts. 

Thirty-five years on, is the CRC still relevant in today’s world? 

Without a doubt. The CRC remains the most widely ratified international treaty in history, and its principles are as relevant today as they were in 1990—perhaps even more so. 

While we celebrate the progress made, we must also recognize that many children still do not fully enjoy their rights. Inequality, poverty, and violence continue to affect millions of children globally, including in Viet Nam. 

Moreover, the world has changed dramatically in the past three decades. The rise of digital technology, the intensifying impacts of climate change, and shifting demographics are reshaping the landscape of childhood. These trends present both opportunities and risks. 

In this context, the CRC serves as a moral and legal compass. It reminds us that children must be at the center of our development agendas. As Viet Nam aspires to become a high-income country by 2045, investing in children is not just a social imperative—it’s an economic one. The CRC provides the framework to guide this investment in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. 

What steps should Viet Nam take to further strengthen the realization of children’s rights? 

Viet Nam has already taken important steps, including adopting the latest recommendations from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the commitment to adress them. These recommendations offer a clear roadmap for action. 

To build on this momentum, I would highlight four priority areas: 

• Digital Transformation: Viet Nam must bridge the digital divide by expanding access to technology and digital literacy for all children. At the same time, we need to ensure that the digital environment is safe and supportive. This means updating laws and regulations to protect children from online risks and promoting child-friendly digital tools.
• Climate Resilience: The country must invest in infrastructure and services that can withstand environmental shocks. This includes building climate-resilient schools and health facilities, promoting green energy, and involving children and youth in climate-related decision-making.
• Human Capital Development: With a declining child population, the urgency to invest in children—especially the most vulnerable—is greater than ever. This includes children with disabilities, those from ethnic minorities, and those affected by migration. These investments are essential for Viet Nam’s long-term growth and prosperity.
• Protection and Social Services: We must strengthen systems that prevent violence and ensure that all children have access to quality health care, nutrition, education, and social protection. Ending child poverty and ensuring equity in service delivery must remain top priorities. 

Any final thoughts on Viet Nam’s future direction in child rights? 

The ongoing government restructuring presents a unique opportunity to place child rights at the heart of national development. With increased focus and capacity, Viet Nam can build a more inclusive and resilient society for its youngest citizens. 

Achieving the full realization of child rights requires a whole-of-society approach. In particular, the private sector should also be recognized as an important partner in this journey. As a powerful engine of socio-economic development, the private sector has the resources, innovation, and reach to help scale solutions that benefit children. Whether through responsible business practices, investment in child-friendly services, or public-private partnerships, their engagement is essential to advancing our joint child rights agenda. 

UNICEF has been a proud partner of Viet Nam for 50 years—long before the CRC was adopted. As we commemorate this 35-year milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Viet Nam in this new era. Together—with government, communities, the private sector, national and international partners, young people and children themselves—we can ensure that every child in Viet Nam not only survives but thrives. 

Source: Children’s Magazine