Illustrative photo (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – A seminar took place in Hanoi on June 13 seeking to prevent childrenfrom being pushed into work by natural disasters and climate change.
Itwas co-organised by the International Labour Organization and the Ministry ofLabour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA).
Speakingat the event, MoLISA Deputy Minister Nguyen Trong Dam said disasters causedamage for people in terms of assets, physical and mental health, adding thatfamilies’ economic difficulties often force children to leave schools and startworking.
Vietnamhas worked to support disaster victims, he noted, citing that in 2016 theNational Assembly passed the Children Law, which includes specific regulationson preventing child labour. The law took effect on June 1, 2017. Also in the year,the Prime Minister also approved a programme on the prevention and reduction ofchild labour for 2016 – 2020.
Damurged public agencies to design plans that relocate residential areas in disaster-proneareas, implement social welfare policies, and offer child-related services whendisasters take place.
JesperMoller, Acting Representative at UNICEF Viet Nam, said since 2000, naturaldisasters have affected about 2.3 billion people worldwide, of whom up to 60percent are children.
Childrenare at high risk of being molested and pushed into work in the aftermath ofdisasters.
Hesuggested Vietnam invest in child-protection statistics analysis and improveassessment kits for natural disaster damage, which will help the country planbetter humanitarian aid for children.-VNA
VNA
