(Illustration photo: dangcongsan.vn)

According to Deputy Minister Hoi, Vietnam has promulgated a system of support policies to enable people with disabilities to exercise equal political, economic, cultural, and social rights to stabilize their lives and integrate into the community in accordance with the UN Convention, of which Vietnam is a member.

The National Assembly of Vietnam promulgated the Law on Persons with Disabilities in 2010 and nine related laws. The Party Central Committee Secretariat’s Directive has strengthened the Party's leadership in supporting persons with disabilities.

The Government’s  programs and policies have protected and cared for persons with disabilities, and helped them integrate into the community, ensuring comprehensive enforcement of human rights. A national committee has been established to assist the Prime Minister in directing support for persons with disabilities, according to Mr. Hoi.

Vietnam has been recognized by the international community as a bright spot in reducing poverty and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. People with disabilities of working age, nearly four million, are supported with vocational training, jobs, and loans with preferential interest rates.

Vietnam also participates responsibly and makes active contributions to UN human rights-related councils, committees, and forums, while promoting multilateral and bilateral cooperation to support people with disabilities, he said.

Deputy Minister Hoi expressed his hope that the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, international organizations, and UN members countries will keep supporting the Vietnamese Government in implementing the Convention. Vietnam is calling for resources and technical support so that no person with disabilities is left behind in national socio-economic development, he said.