(VOVWORLD) - A Child Rights and Business Forum, held in Hanoi on Monday emphasized the need for responsible business practices that respect child rights and prevent human rights abuse.
 The participants discusses measures to mitigate business adverse impacts on children. (Photo: UNICEF Vietnam) |
“Children are both the present and the future, and business practices cannot be sustainable if they do not account for their impact on children”, said Rana Flowers, Representative of UNICEF in Vietnam, which co-hosted the event with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
Bringing together representatives of 100 businesses, governments, social organizations, educational institutions, the forum provided a platform to exchange experience and best practices in integrating child rights into business operations and supply chains; adopt policies, assessments, and practices that uphold child rights; and identify challenges and opportunities for businesses to implement child rights practices.
 Rana Flowers, Representative of UNICEF in Vietnam. (Photo: UNICEF Vietnam) |
Vietnam is in the process of developing a National Action Plan (NAP) to improve laws and policies to advance responsible business practices for the period of 2023-2027. The draft NAP adopts the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), ensuring that all business practices are underpinned by clear human rights commitments.
Forum participants agreed that measures should be included in the NAP to prevent or mitigate adverse impacts for children in health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Vietnam has signed over 15 trade agreements and has affirmed its commitment to respecting fundamental principles and rights in the workplace.