Decree 06: Enhanced Child Protection and Welfare in Vietnam

Decree 06/2021/NĐ-CP, effective September 1, 2021, details provisions of the Child Law regarding policies for children, marking significant advancements in child protection, care, and education in Vietnam. This article outlines the key highlights of Decree 06.

Expanded Scope and Beneficiaries

Decree 06/2021/NĐ-CP broadens the scope of beneficiaries compared to previous regulations, encompassing:

• Ethnic minority children, migrant children, and children in especially difficult circumstances.
• Children subjected to abuse, violence, exploitation, abandonment, and other forms of discrimination.

This expansion demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring equal rights and development opportunities for all children.

Comprehensive Support System

Decree 06 provides more specific and detailed regulations on child support policies across various areas, including:

• Educational Support: Tuition fee exemptions, financial aid, and scholarships for poor children, ethnic minority children, and children with disabilities.
• Healthcare Support: Free medical examinations and treatment, health insurance cards for children under 6, poor children, and ethnic minority children.
• Nutritional Support: Provision of nutritious meals at school, milk support for malnourished and stunted children.
• Housing Support: Assistance in building and repairing houses for orphaned and homeless children.

Enhanced Responsibilities of Family, School, and Society

Decree 06 emphasizes the crucial roles of family, school, and society in protecting, caring for, and educating children. Specifically:

• Family: Parents are responsible for caring for, nurturing, and educating their children, creating the best possible conditions for their holistic development.
• School: Establishing a safe, healthy, and friendly learning environment, preventing school violence, and facilitating the development of children’s individual capabilities.
• Society: Creating a safe and healthy living environment for children, participating in monitoring the implementation of policies and laws related to children.

Promoting Child Participation

Decree 06 affirms children’s right to participate in matters concerning themselves and their communities. Children have the right to express their opinions and aspirations and to be heard and respected by adults.

Strengthening State Management of Child Policies

Decree 06 clarifies the responsibilities of ministries, sectors, and localities in formulating, enacting, and implementing policies and laws on children. It also strengthens inspection, examination, and supervision of the implementation of these policies and laws.

Conclusion

Decree 06/2021/NĐ-CP demonstrates the special attention of the Party and State to the protection, care, and education of children. Effective implementation of Decree 06 will contribute to creating a favorable environment for children to develop comprehensively and become valuable citizens.