Conference highlights implementation of 2020 Youth Law

Hanoi (VNA) - The Ministry of Home Affairs and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) organised a conference on September 10 on implementing the 2020 Youth Law.

The 14th National Assembly passed the revised law at its ninth session in June, replacing the 2005 version. It will come into effect on January 1 next year.

Comprising seven chapters with 41 articles, the 2020 Youth Law covers Vietnamese citizens between 16 and 30 years of age along with agencies, organisations, individuals, schools, and families. It regulates the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the country’s young people, State policies towards young people, the responsibilities of agencies, schools, families, individuals, youth organisations, and other organisations towards young people, and State management over young people.

In his opening remarks at the conference, Vice Minister of Home Affairs Tran Anh Tuan said young people account for 24.6 percent of Vietnam’s population and their development will provide momentum to ensure the country’s stability and sustainable growth.

He noted that the effective implementation of the law requires the engagement of central and local public agencies and sectors.

Nguyen Van Tuyet, Vice Chairman of the NA Committee for Culture, Education, Youth and Children, suggested the ministry soon propose the Government issue a legal document to regulate the conduct of the law.

Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, underscored her belief that the law will form a valuable legal framework in guiding the planning and implementation of the Government’s youth programmes and policies.

The needs of vulnerable groups such as girls, the disabled, ethnic minorities, and homosexuals should be addressed, she said, adding that the protection of groups and their rights should be included in Government decrees guiding the implementation of the Youth Law.

Lauding the inclusion of a dialogue policy, she recommended the holding of more friendly forums to engage young people, especially those from vulnerable groups./.