Participants at a workshop in Hanoi on April 27 underlined the role of independent supervisory mechanisms for the implementation of children’s rights.

The function, meant to consult social organisations and media agencies, was held by the Vietnam Association for Protection of Children’s Rights (VAPCR); the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture, Education, Youth, Adolescents, and Children; and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

VAPCR Chairwoman Tran Thi Thanh Thanh said almost all countries have two supervisory mechanisms with one by the Government and the other by non-governmental organisations.

The engagement of non-governmental organisations in monitoring right implementation will encourage social forces in protecting and caring for children, she added.

UNICEF specialist Vanessa Sedletzki said the presence of an independent supervisory mechanism is important to ensuring children’s rights as it will notify State agencies of child-related issues and coordinate with social forces, thus violations will be shortly addressed.

At the event, participants highlighted the role of the media, asking journalists to acquire adequate knowledge in this regard. They also demanded a favourable legal framework for the development of children-focused journalism as well as children’s participation in press activities to voice their viewpoints.

Attendees also discussed progress and issues in the implementation of children’s rights and the current system implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Vietnam.-VNA