1. The "Report Defense" Session in Geneva, Switzerland
Time & Location: On March 6-7, 2025, at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, an inter-ministerial delegation from Vietnam, led by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyễn Văn Hồi, conducted the defense of its national report on the implementation of the CRPD before the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee).
Key Content:
- Vietnam emphasized its people-centered approach, prioritizing the rights of persons with disabilities through a comprehensive system of support policies. These policies aim to ensure they can equally exercise their political, economic, and socio-cultural rights, stabilize their lives, and integrate into society.
- The National Assembly and relevant authorities have enacted the 2010 Law on Persons with Disabilities, implemented social security programs, established the National Committee on Persons with Disabilities, and undertaken many other concrete actions.
- Key achievements include: over 1.6 million persons with severe disabilities receiving monthly social allowances; 96% of persons with disabilities having health insurance coverage; children receiving support for inclusive and specialized education; the standardization of sign language and Braille; and nearly 4 million persons with disabilities receiving vocational training, employment support, or preferential loans.
Feedback from the CRPD Committee:
- The Vietnamese delegation received over 30 recommendations from Committee members and national working groups. This feedback helps Vietnam to clearly recognize its achievements and shortcomings, and supports the evaluation and development of an action plan for the 2026–2030 period, with a vision toward 2045.
- Vietnam expressed its desire to continue receiving technical assistance from the Committee and international partners to refine its legal framework, enhance human resource capacity, and promote comprehensive and inclusive development.
2. Continued Commitment at the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP18)
Event: From June 10-12, 2025, in New York, Vietnam participated in the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP18).
Commitment & Reporting:
- The Vietnamese representative reaffirmed the nation's commitment to implementing the CRPD, highlighting key policies such as the 2010 Law on Persons with Disabilities and the ratification of the CRPD in 2014.
- Vietnam expressed its readiness to cooperate with other nations and international organizations to promote a society that is equitable and self-reliant, ensuring that no one is left behind.
3. Significance
- This process demonstrates that Vietnam not only seriously fulfills its international commitments but also actively engages in dialogue and accepts feedback for continuous improvement.
- Achievements in inclusive education, health insurance, and livelihood support have significantly contributed to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
- The commitment to international cooperation opens up opportunities for technical transfer and policy refinement. This will improve access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, information technology, and AI, while also addressing global issues such as climate change and migration.
