Experts share good practices to promote children's rights in business. (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – Domestic and international experts and businessesgathered at a forum in Ho Chi Minh City on April 16, discussing and sharinggood practices that companies worldwide are undertaking to respect and promotechildren’s rights in business.
Speaking at the event jointly held by the United Nations InternationalChildren’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry(VCCI), UNICEF Representative to Vietnam Rana Flowwers stressed that thebusiness of local firms is having both direct and indirect impacts on childrenacross the workplace, marketplace and community.
Embracing children’s rights also helps the companies settle inequality, andrealise the sustainable development goals, she added.
Meanwhile, VCCI Vice President Vo Tan Thanh said that as Vietnam is carryingout its National Action Plan on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda forSustainable Development, the country encourages the local business community toapply clean production technologies, effectively use natural resources, protectthe environment, and perform their corporate responsibility, especially for thepoor and vulnerable groups. Besides, they are urged to ensure that no one is leftbehind, and prioritise approach to the hardest-to-approach people, includingchildren.
The UNICEF and VCCI are joining hands to promote enterprises’ actions tomaximise their positive impacts and minimise negative influences on children,he said, stressing that the move not only helps advance children’s rights andbusiness principles but also enhances knowledge and capacity of the companiesthat have great influences on children.
Sharing good practice in promoting children rights, Phuong Nam Garment TradingImport-Export Joint Stock Company in Ho Chi Minh City said that along withprotecting child labour (aging 15-18), the firm has arranged suitable jobs,developed skills, and ensure social welfare for workers from 18-25 years old.
Pou Yuen Vietnam in HCM City is outlining policies to support breastfeedingmothers at work by arranging a special room for milk pumping and storage.
Another good practice came from Pou Chen factory in Dong Nai province, with thecomprehensive education for children model, which raises workers’ awareness ofhealth and nutrition for their children.
Participants at the event also discussed the significance of public-privatecooperation in respecting children’s rights, and job opportunities fordisadvantaged children, among others.-VNA
VNA
