Strengthening social security and promoting sustainable employment for people with disabilities

This is the target of the report “Towards an inclusive society: Social protection creates opportunities and empowers people with disabilities” which was recently announced by the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance, the Australian Embassy and the Irish Embassy on the morning of December 3, 2025 on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 with the global theme “Promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities towards social progress”.

According to the ILO, this report is the first comprehensive assessment of social protection for persons with disabilities (PWD) across the life cycle in Viet Nam, based on research findings to strengthen social protection, inclusion and promote decent work for PWD nationwide. The report provides practical steps to support Viet Nam towards a more inclusive society in the future.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Park Sinwon - Director of ILO in Vietnam said that the report recognized Vietnam as one of the leading countries in the group of lower-middle income countries that have promoted an inclusive social security system for people with disabilities. Vietnam has achieved wide coverage for people with severe disabilities through a combination of social assistance, social insurance and health insurance. At the same time, Vietnam has implemented a community-based disability classification system to increase accessibility, along with a social assistance structure that reflects the levels of costs incurred for different levels of disability.

Despite progress, the report also highlights some areas that need further attention, such as: the level of benefits for people with severe disabilities remains limited, and coverage gaps persist, particularly for people with mild disabilities. The report identifies a number of key policy priorities to strengthen the link between social protection and decent work...

According to Ms. Park Sinwon, the report also provides important evidence contributing to ongoing national reforms on employment and social security and supporting Vietnam in implementing its commitments under the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, relevant international labor standards, as well as the national strategy on socio-economic development.

According to Mr. Le Tuan An, Director of the Institute of Science , Technology and Environment, the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance affirmed the importance of the collective economic sector in promoting the social integration of PWDs: “The connection between social security and productive employment in the cooperative sector can help PWDs not only be protected but also empowered to develop their abilities, contribute to the local economy and general social progress”. Photo of booths of businesses and PWD organizations at the report launch. Source: ILO.

Mr. Dang Van Thanh - Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Association for People with Disabilities shared: “We hope that all stakeholders, from state agencies, employers to development partners and the community, will make efforts to turn the findings in this report into concrete actions. People with disabilities are not only beneficiaries but also citizens who are able to contribute equally to society.

We call on all organizations and individuals, everywhere, to make greater efforts to remove barriers, fully compensate for the costs of disabilities, expand employment opportunities, and ensure that all policies truly reflect the voices of people with disabilities.”

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/tang-cuong-an-sinh-xa-hoi-thuc-day-viec-lam-ben-vung-cho-nguoi-khuyet-tat.html