Vietnam advocates supporting disadvantaged people, especially those with disabilities, and does so through policies and laws, said Nguyen Trong Dam, Deputy Minister of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs.

He made the statement at a November 30 meeting held in response to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The deputy minister said the Law on Persons with Disabilities, which took effect on January 1, 2011, is an important milestone developing equality for disabled people.

However, the rate of disabled people living in poverty remains high, he noted, saying his ministry is coordinating with relevant agencies to boost social awareness about ensuring rights for handicapped people.

He also expressed gratitude to domestic sectors and international organisations for helping people with disabilities integrate into the community.

Since 1989, the US government has spent more than 60 million USD sponsoring Vietnam’s programmes on improving the living standards of disabled people, said Randy Flay, Acting Director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam.

During the campaign marking the international day, many practical activities are being held to help disabled people raise their confidence and overcome hardship, including exhibitions, cultural exchanges and sport games.-VNA