Breakthrough solutions needed to maintain replacement fertility

A closer look at population and development

Agreeing with the need to promulgate the Population Law, however, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly , Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quang Phuong suggested that the provisions in the law need to be more innovative than the 2003 Population Ordinance, especially with measures to maintain replacement fertility.

Regarding measures to maintain replacement fertility such as increasing maternity leave, financial support, and prioritizing the purchase or rental of social housing, the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly said that there is still a need for more breakthrough policies on labor, employment, and childcare and education services. He requested that the drafting agency pay close attention.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly , Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quang Phuong speaks at the meeting.

Noting that the Population Ordinance has a separate article regulating international cooperation, however, the draft Population Law omits this provision. The Vice Chairman of the National Assembly said that in recent years, the contents of international cooperation in the field of population have been implemented very well, and suggested that the drafting agency consider it.

Citing the reality of countries with "silver-haired economies" but have turned challenges into opportunities, turning aging societies into an economic sector, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan said that some countries have focused on serving the elderly, and businesses also specialize in producing equipment and software to serve the elderly. And there is a very good philosophy that "Nursing homes are not places to care for the elderly, but places where the elderly can take care of themselves".

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan speaks

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan said that in addition to focusing on social security, we need to look deeper into population and development issues.

Putting comprehensive human development at the center

National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Hai Anh (Dong Thap) highly appreciated the draft Population Law, which has demonstrated a shift in thinking from family planning to population management and human development. We must put comprehensive human development and human rights at the center and have legal tools to build and develop a quality population, including institutions, intelligence, spirit, patriotism, national pride, and compassion.

"The development of the Law has a great impact, reaching all subjects in social life. The position and role of the population determines the future and survival of the nation," delegate Nguyen Hai Anh emphasized.

National Assembly Delegate Nguyen Hai Anh (Dong Thap) speaks

Delegates proposed expanding the scope of the law to reflect the true nature of the law on people and population, not just measures to manage population.

Specifically, it is necessary to add the concept of comprehensive human development; add items to ensure human rights, including reproductive rights, the right to physical and mental health care, and the right to live in a safe, humane and creative environment.

Regarding communication, advocacy and population education, delegates suggested clarifying communication aimed at changing social behavior and values. It is necessary to emphasize population education in schools, life skills training, sex education, parental responsibility and gender equality. Strengthen digital communication and open data (currently the draft Law is still limited to traditional communication).

Regarding the size, structure and distribution of the population, delegate Nguyen Hai Anh said that the draft Law lacks issues of migration, urbanization and reasonable population distribution. Accordingly, there should be separate provisions regulating the management of domestic and international migration, ensuring that migrants have access to basic public services such as education, health care and social insurance.

Discussion scene at Group 12 (including National Assembly delegations from Quang Ngai and Dong Thap provinces)

Delegates also proposed regulations on cross-border labor migration, including the role and responsibility of the State in protecting and defending citizens, protecting legitimate rights and interests when migrating and working abroad...

Clearly define the responsibilities of the Government and People's Committees of provinces and cities in integrating population planning into socio-economic development planning, especially in remote, isolated, border and island areas.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/can-giai-phap-dot-pha-de-duy-tri-muc-sinh-thay-the-10392641.html