ASEAN and UNICEF discuss social work services to empower women and children. Photo: VOV

The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs introduced the guidelines and methods of implementing them, supporting ASEAN member states in policy planning, social service management, and professional social work activities on preventing violence against women and children.

Ha Thi Minh Duc, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation, said, “The guidelines are a consensus of ASEAN countries, helping countries resolve violence against women and children. But when implemented, it also requires further adjustment and research by relevant agencies.”

Representatives of UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said that they have cooperated effectively with Vietnam’s agencies in protecting women and children as well as training social work officials. Pham Thi Yen, a UNICEF representative in Vietnam, outlined cooperation with Vietnam.

“Currently and in the near future, UNICEF has a number of focuses to work with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to promote the implementation of ASEAN guidelines, including guidelines on the identification rate of social workers and guidelines on the provision of services to women and children who are victims of violence,” Yen said. 

Wednesday’s workshop is part of the roadmap to implement the Hanoi Declaration on Promoting Social Work towards a cohesive and proactive ASEAN Community. This document was recognized by ASEAN leaders at the 43rd ASEAN Summit, which took place last September.