Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (right-first row) presents certificates of merit to the awardees.

The 17 groups and 79 individuals, who are honored, have proven enthusiastic in their humanitarian and social deeds, and have actively contributed to social works for the community’s benefit.

"Our jobs put us in many difficult and dangerous situations as we have to protect the victims from  harm caused by  ill-intentioned individuals. We were afraid at first but when we met the abused women and children, we decided not to give in and fight to protect their rights to the end," said Lawyer Tran Thi Ngoc Nu of Ho Chi Minh, a member of the Ho Chi Minh City Children Protection Association. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh called on the honorees to keep up the good work and encourage other people to follow suit.