A conference takes place in Ho Chi Minh City on June 22 to share information and consult the press on communications in protection of the children’s rights in the city this year. (Photo: VNA)HCM City (VNA) – A conference took place in Ho Chi Minh City on June 22 to shareinformation and consult the press on communications in protection of thechildren’s rights in the city this year.
The event washeld by the HCM City Association for Protection of Children’s Rights inpartnership with the UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) andthe municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.
It provided anopportunity for local authorities, the press and relevant organisations toshare experience and strengthen cooperation in addressing child abuse andensure children’s rights.
HCM City ishome to more than 2 million children, including nearly 11,400 living in difficulties. As a populous metropolis, the city has seenincreasing numbers of street children and child beggars as well as casesrelated to child labour, abuse and delinquency, said Mai Thi Ngoc Mai, directorof the HCM City Association for Protection of Children’s Rights.
Protection ofchildren on the cyberspace is really challenging municipal authoritieswho should pay more attention and devise plans, programmes and solutions to gradually better the work, Ngoc said.
Tran Thi KimThanh from the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said the municipal People’s Committee hasrecently issued a guideline instructing how stakeholders can work together tosupport, intervene and settle child abuse and violence against children in thecity.
Accordingly,all individuals and organisations must report on any cases of child violence and abuse to the People’s Committee or police in the place where the child lives. Reports can also be made via hotlines – 111, 113, 1900.54.55.59 and 1800.90.69.
The attendeesappreciated the role of the press in this matter, saying it is vital to increase awareness campaigns on children’srights, especially among the schools and men.
Tran Cong Binhfrom the UNICEF said a small news story published can stop a big crime but itcan also destroy the peaceful life of a child. So journalists must always becareful with their reportings in any circumstances, he said.
He urged astronger connection between newsrooms and organsations and agencies in protection of children’s rights./.
VNA
