A deeper look into the issue of population and development.
While agreeing with the necessity of enacting the Population Law, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly , Lieutenant General Tran Quang Phuong, suggested that the provisions in the law should be more groundbreaking than the 2003 Population Ordinance, especially with measures to maintain the replacement fertility rate.
Regarding measures to maintain replacement fertility rates such as increasing maternity leave, providing financial support, and prioritizing the purchase or rental of social housing, the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly stated that further breakthrough policies on labor and employment, as well as childcare and education services, are still needed. He urged the drafting agencies to pay close attention to these issues.
Noting that the Population Ordinance has a separate provision on international cooperation, however, the draft Population Law omits this provision, the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly stated that in recent years, the contents of international cooperation in the field of population have been implemented very well, and requested the drafting agency to consider this.
Citing the examples of countries with "aging economies" that have turned challenges into opportunities and transformed aging societies into an economic sector, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan stated that some countries have focused on serving the elderly, with businesses specializing in producing equipment and software for senior citizens. He also mentioned a very insightful philosophy: "Nursing homes are not places to care for the elderly, but places where the elderly can care for themselves."
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan stated that, in addition to focusing on social welfare, we need to look more deeply into the issues of population and development.
Placing the holistic development of human beings at the center.
National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Hai Anh (Dong Thap) highly appreciated the draft Population Law, noting that it reflects a shift in thinking from family planning to population governance and human development. We must place the comprehensive development of human beings and human rights at the center and have legal tools to build and develop a high-quality population, encompassing institutions, intellect, spirit, patriotism, national pride, and compassion.
"The drafting of this law has a significant impact, affecting all segments of society. The position and role of the population determine the future and survival of the nation," emphasized delegate Nguyen Hai Anh.
The delegates proposed expanding the scope of the law to accurately reflect the nature of the law concerning people and population, rather than just measures for population management.
Specifically, it is necessary to add the concept of holistic human development; and to include provisions guaranteeing human rights, including the right to reproduction, the right to physical and mental health care, and the right to live in a safe, humane, and creative environment.
Regarding population communication, advocacy, and education, delegates suggested further clarification on communication aimed at changing social behavior and values. Emphasis should be placed on population education in schools, life skills training, sex education, parental responsibility, and gender equality. Digital communication and open data should be strengthened (the current draft law focuses only on traditional communication methods).
Regarding the scale, structure, and distribution of the population, Representative Nguyen Hai Anh argued that the draft Law lacks provisions on migration, urbanization, and rational population distribution. Therefore, there needs to be separate articles and clauses regulating domestic and international migration, ensuring that migrants have access to basic public services such as education, healthcare, and social insurance.
The delegates also proposed regulations on cross-border labor migration, which would link the role and responsibility of the State in protecting and safeguarding citizens, and protecting their legitimate rights and interests when migrating and working abroad…
The regulations clearly define the responsibilities of the Government and the People's Committees of provinces and cities in integrating residential planning into socio-economic development planning, especially in remote areas, border regions, and islands.
Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/can-giai-phap-dot-pha-de-duy-tri-muc-sinh-thay-the-10392641.html
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