The commemorative ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the long-standing partnership between Vietnam and UNICEF and to envision a brighter future for all Vietnamese children.

Vietnam was the first country in Asia and the second worldwide to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1990, a globally recognized human rights treaty that has changed the lives of children around the world.

Over the past 35 years, Vietnam has made substantial strides: its legal framework for children has strengthened, including the 2016 Child Law which recognized children as rights-holders; child participation has been increasingly respected through practical initiatives; the under-five mortality rate has dropped from 58‰ (1990) to 16.9‰ (2024); vaccination coverage for children under one exceeds 90%; and the prevalence of underweight children has fallen from 38.7% (1998) to 10.4% (2024). School attendance rates remain high, and the child protection network has expanded nationwide.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long, speaking on behalf of the Government, emphasized Vietnam’s consistent prioritization of children in policymaking and resource allocation. Special attention has been given to creating safe and supportive environments, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including the poor, those with disabilities, orphans, and children in difficult circumstances.

Recent initiatives have included breakthrough policies in education, such as universal early childhood education for children aged 3-5, tuition support and waivers for pre-school and school-age children, and the development of STEM practice education centers, thereby opening new learning opportunities.

The Deputy PM expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s enduring support over the past five decades, noting that the organization’s contributions have provided not only material aid but also moral encouragement, reflecting deep international solidarity. These efforts have supported Vietnam in achieving remarkable human development outcomes, poverty reduction, and improved child welfare, contributing to the nation’s sustainable development goals.

Looking forward, Vietnam remains committed to child protection as a strategic national priority, pledging to carry out coordinated policies ensuring all children can develop safely, equitably, and comprehensively. The government seeks continued cooperation and effective support from UNICEF, UN agencies, and domestic and international partners.

UNICEF Regional Director June Kunugi praised Vietnam for bold reforms and high development targets, while affirming the organization’s commitment to support Vietnam through evidence-based solutions and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

UNICEF Regional Director June Kunugi emphasized that the organization would continue providing evidence-based solutions and collaborating with partners to bridge gaps, safely leverage digital opportunities, prepare youth for the future economy, and integrate climate resilience and social inclusion into policy. She highlighted that, through these efforts, Vietnam could turn ambition into action and serve as a regional model in implementing children’s rights and commitments.

UNICEF has identified three focus areas to support Vietnam in the coming period: investing in children and human capital; ensuring safety and empowerment within communities; and building families and communities resilient to climate change, natural disasters, and social shocks.

On this occasion, Deputy PM Le Thanh Long presented a Prime Minister’s Certificate of Merit to UNICEF in recognition of its outstanding, persistent, and effective contributions over 50 years of partnership with Vietnam in promoting children’s rights.

Vietnam strengthens child-focused development in milestone UNICEF partnership

VOV.VN - Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long received June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, and her delegation in Hanoi on November 16 to mark 50 years of Vietnam–UNICEF cooperation and 35 years since Vietnam ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

UNICEF eyes partnership with HCMA in policy research on child rights

UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific June Kunugi expressed interest in forging a comprehensive cooperation framework with the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) during her meeting with HCMA President Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang in Hanoi on November 25.