International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 3: Legal support for people with disabilities

Providing legal services for people with disabilities helps ensure legal rights for vulnerable groups. — People with disabilities in Da Nang city at a legal consultation program in 2024. Photo: LE NGUYEN

Accompanying people with disabilities

Mr. Van Duc Minh (born in 1968, Dien Ban Dong ward) has been physically disabled since childhood. When his parents passed away, he faced difficulties in carrying out administrative procedures and resolving disputes related to land and property.

"Sometimes I feel stuck because I don't know where to start. Prolonged problems make my life more difficult, especially when my health is limited and my income is unstable," Mr. Minh confided.

During a media session in Dien Duong ward (old), Mr. Minh was given access to information about the mobile legal aid activities of the Quang Nam Province Legal Aid Center (old), now the Da Nang City Legal Aid Center No. 2.

Here, the center's staff guided him through each task, identified the necessary documents, reviewed the legal process, and represented him in working with relevant agencies. The support closely monitored the completion of procedures, helping him feel secure in resolving the case in accordance with legal regulations.

Mr. Minh shared: "I used to think I would have to give up because the paperwork was too complicated. But thanks to the legal aid officer's detailed explanations and step-by-step support, I was able to do it. Without support, it would be very difficult for a disabled person like me to access the law."

Mr. Van Duc Minh (Dien Ban Dong ward) studies documents to provide legal support to many other disabled people. Photo: PHAN VINH

For Mr. Minh, being accompanied in the process of protecting his rights not only helps resolve disputes but also creates a sense of security, reduces inferiority and hesitation when dealing with public authorities. After receiving help, Mr. Minh boldly joined in connecting and supporting many people with disabilities similar to himself.

Mr. Minh's story reflects a common reality today, that is, people with mobility disabilities often face more barriers in accessing administrative procedures, do not understand legal regulations, and are easily disadvantaged when disputes arise. Mobile legal aid activities to residential areas, cultural houses, and community activities have become a practical solution to narrow this gap.

Over the years, the Danang Legal Aid Center No. 2 has organized hundreds of mobile consultation sessions in communes and wards. In particular, the group of disabled people with financial difficulties has always been given priority support.

This is a vulnerable group that needs companionship and guidance so as not to be left behind when laws change or procedures arise with new requirements.

Need to proactively connect

According to the State Legal Aid Center No. 2 of Da Nang city, support for people with disabilities is always implemented in line with the State's general policy on ensuring the right to access justice.

Pursuant to the Law on Legal Aid 2017, the Law on Persons with Disabilities 2010 and related guiding documents, legal aid activities for persons with disabilities are built with a focus on "bringing the law to where people live", especially in new residential areas and resettlement areas, where persons with disabilities have little access to support services.

Training and communication content is designed to suit each target group, helping them understand basic rights, administrative procedures on land, household registration, complaints and denunciations, social protection policies, health insurance, etc.

When dealing with people with disabilities, legal aid officers keep a case log to ensure that the case is resolved completely and on schedule. In particularly difficult cases, the center assigns a legal aid officer to directly represent them in working with state agencies, helping people with disabilities reduce travel costs and waiting time.

State Legal Aid Center No. 2 of Da Nang City organized a training course on legal aid for people with disabilities. — State Legal Aid Center No. 2 of Da Nang city provides training on legal aid for people with disabilities. Photo: PHAN VINH

According to statistics, each year, Da Nang Legal Aid Center No. 2 provides hundreds of consultations and resolves cases related to people with disabilities. The rate of completing records and resolving cases is high, reflecting the regular coordination between the center and local authorities.

In particular, maintaining legal communication at commune and ward levels helps raise awareness of the legal rights of people with disabilities, encouraging them to proactively seek free legal aid services from the State when facing difficulties.

According to Mr. Luong Dinh Nam, Acting Director of the State Legal Aid Center No. 2 of Da Nang City, to facilitate legal aid activities, the center coordinates with the Association of People with Disabilities, organizations, unions and prosecution agencies to guide and introduce subjects to contact the center for advice and assistance.

Thanks to that, the number of people with disabilities receiving legal aid is increasing, especially in localities with rapid urbanization and high demand for procedural settlement.

"We hope that people with disabilities and people with disabilities who have financial difficulties will proactively connect with the State's legal aid system.

"When working together, one side provides legal knowledge, the other side boldly speaks up to protect their rights, then the support will truly be effective, contributing to creating a fairer environment in access to justice," said Mr. Nam.

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