(VOVworld) – The Vietnamese National Assembly has approved a resolution ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The action demonstrates Vietnam’s strong political commitment to guaranteeing human rights, especially the rights of persons with disabilities.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam spoke at a ceremony on Dec 3 to mark the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 13, 2006, is the most comprehensive international agreement to protect the legitimate rights and interests of people with disabilities. The Convention defines the rights of people with disabilities and the obligations of the signatories in protecting and promoting these rights. Vietnam signed the Convention in 2007. Ratifying the Convention was the final procedure for making Vietnam a member of the Convention.

Ratification of the Convention significant in several political and socio-economic aspects

Vietnam is on a path of global integration and is a member of the UN Human Rights Council. Vietnam’s 2013 Constitution explicitly mentions human rights. Vietnam has honored its commitment to ratify the Convention to pave the way for a dialogue on human rights with other countries and international human rights organizations. Minister of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs Pham Thi Hai Chuyen said: “Ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities shows Vietnam’s strong commitment to protecting and promoting the interests of disabled people. It’s the legal basis for Vietnam’s stance on supporting disabled people and ensuring human rights. The ratification is especially important because Vietnam is a member of the UN Human Rights Council in the 2014-2016 term.”

Ratification of the UN Convention will improve disabled people’s access to healthcare, education, employment, transportation, information, and technology.

Bringing the Convention to life

Vietnam will have to guarantee disabled people’s right to access the physical environment, transportation, information, and communications. Vietnam must submit its first national report to the UN two years after ratification and a regular report to the UN Security Council every 4 years. The Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs will develop yearly and 5-year plans to improve the living and study conditions of the disabled. Minister Chuyen said: “We have recommended policies exempting birth registration fees for disabled children, recruiting disabled people to work for public agencies, and rewriting work regulations. We have asked the National Assembly’s Committee for Social Affairs to supervise the legal changes.”

Due to limited resources, Vietnam will have difficulty implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but it will strive to fulfill its duty as a Convention member to create a better life for people with disabilities.