Ms. June Kunugi, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Director: "Together, we can turn ambition into action and make Vietnam a model for children's rights in the region and the world" - Photo: VGP/Duc Tuan
Extraordinary results after 50 years of cooperation
Ms. June Kunugi emphasized: "50 years ago, Vietnam had just escaped from war, but today, Vietnam has made impressive progress, becoming a country where children can live, learn and develop."
Vietnam has reduced its under-five mortality rate from over 100 cases per 1,000 live births to 16.9 cases, and has made significant progress in nutrition, polio control, and the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. More than 96% of the population has access to clean water and basic sanitation, and the rate of malnourished and stunted children has decreased from nearly 30% to 18%. Vietnam achieved universal primary education in 2000 and universal lower secondary education in 2010; achieved gender equality in primary and secondary school enrollment and retention.
Access to early childhood education has been expanded, with a focus on children with disabilities and ethnic minority children. A national framework for digital learning has been established. Child protection systems have been strengthened to prevent and protect children from violence and abuse. Climate-friendly social services have continued to be strengthened, supporting children to have a more sustainable future...
Three areas UNICEF continues to support Vietnam
In a rapidly changing world , UNICEF has identified three key areas of support for Vietnam and Vietnamese children.
First, invest in children and develop human capital, including continued provision of health, education, child protection and social protection services as the foundations for building a more sustainable, stable and resilient system and economy.
Second, ensure the safety and empowerment of every child, and strengthen planning and funding mechanisms to sustain gains in the context of population aging.
Third, in the face of the impacts of climate change and environmental pollution, it is necessary to strengthen protection and enhance the resilience of children and communities. Investing in disaster risk reduction systems and increasing the resilience of shock-sensitive social protection systems is crucial.
Ms. June Kunugi emphasized, UNICEF congratulates Viet Nam on its strong reforms and ambitious goals. The rising era is an opportunity to invest in human capital more than ever. We need to build a generation that is healthy, educated and empowered. UNICEF will continue to stand side by side with Viet Nam to realize this vision through sharing global expertise, evidence-based solutions and innovative partnerships.
She affirmed that UNICEF will continue to work with and support the Government and partners to close the remaining gaps; safely harness digital opportunities to prepare young people for the future economy; and ensure climate resilience and social inclusion are at the heart of all policies.
"Together, we can turn ambition into action and make Vietnam a model for children's rights in the region and the world," Ms. June Kunugi emphasized.
Chairwoman of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child Sophie Kiladze: Vietnam's achievements lie not only in the legal system but are also reflected in the lives of children - Photo: VGP/Duc Tuan
Meanwhile, Ms. Sophie Kiladze, Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, stated: 35 years ago, Vietnam made history by becoming the first country in Asia and the second country in the world to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This step not only reflects Vietnam's deep commitment to children, but also demonstrates a vision of a future built on the foundation of full respect for children's dignity and as rights-holders.
Since that important moment, Vietnam has not only stopped at making commitments on paper but has turned those commitments into real results for children. Vietnam has established a comprehensive legal and policy framework to realize the Convention’s commitments for all children.
This is clearly demonstrated through the provisions on children's rights in the Constitution; the promulgation of the 2016 Law on Children; amendments to the Law on Education, the Labor Code, the Law on Statistics, etc., creating a solid foundation for the protection, development and participation of children nationwide.
Vietnam’s achievements are not only reflected in its legal system but also in the lives of children. Over the past three and a half decades, Vietnam has made significant progress in reducing child mortality, reducing child poverty, increasing access to quality education, preventing child labor and child marriage, and improving access to clean water and sanitation, especially in rural and remote areas. Vietnam has also strengthened its child justice system and focused on supporting children in disadvantaged communities through targeted programs.
"I come from a small country that has experienced armed conflict, so I understand that these achievements do not come naturally, but are built from persistent efforts over a long period of time," said Sophie Kiladze.
Updated November 26, 2025
Source: https://laichau.gov.vn/tin-tuc-su-kien/chuyen-de/tin-trong-nuoc/unicef-dua-viet-nam-tro-thanh-hinh-mau-ve-quyen-tre-em-trong-khu-vuc-va-tren-the-gioi.html
Comment (0)