Accordingly, the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Vietnam Cooperation Union, the Australian Embassy and the Irish Embassy have jointly published a new report "Towards an integrated society: Social security creates opportunities and empowers people with disabilities".
This is an activity in response to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2025 with the global theme "Promoting the integration of people with disabilities towards social progress".
Speaking at the event, ILO Director in Vietnam, Ms. Park Sinwon, emphasized the transformational role of social security and decent employment: Social security is not only about protection - but also a foundation for empowerment. When people with disabilities have full access to social security and have meaningful job opportunities, they can fully participate and contribute to society. This report shows practical steps to support Vietnam towards a more integrated society in the future.
The report noted that Vietnam is one of the leading countries in the group of countries with low average incomes that have promoted an inclusive social security system for people with disabilities. Vietnam has achieved wide coverage for people with severe disabilities through the combination of social assistance, social insurance and health insurance. At the same time, Vietnam has deployed a community-based disability assessment system to increase access, along with a structure to help society reflect the cost levels arising for different levels of disability.
Ms. Cecilia Brennan, Acting Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam, affirmed Australia's commitment to the integration of people with disabilities: Australia is proud to accompany Vietnam and the international community in promoting equality and rights for people with disabilities. Empowering people with disabilities is to strengthen our common vision of a world where everyone can participate fully and equally. People with disabilities are facing capital barriers that are often maintained by society. And together, we can choose to remove those barriers.
Although much progress has been made, the report also emphasizes a number of areas that need more attention. The level of allowances for people with severe disabilities is still limited, and the gap in coverage still exists, especially for people with mild disabilities. The report identified a number of important policy priorities to strengthen the link between social security and decent employment.
Mr. Le Tuan An, Director of the Institute of Science, Technology and Environment, Vietnam Cooperative Union affirmed the importance of the collective economic sector in promoting the social integration of people with disabilities: "Connecting social security and productivity employment in the cooperative area can help people with disabilities not only be protected but also empowered to promote their abilities, contribute to the local economy and social progress".
In the call for action, Mr. Dang Van Thanh - Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Association of People with Disabilities shared: We hope that all stakeholders - state agencies, employers, development partners and the community - will turn the findings in this Report into concrete action. People with disabilities are not only beneficiaries but also citizens capable of making equal contributions to society. We call on all organizations and individuals, anywhere, to make stronger efforts to remove barriers, fully cover expenses arising from disabilities, expand job opportunities, and ensure that all policies truly reflect the voice of people with disabilities.
The report also provides important evidence contributing to ongoing national reforms in employment and social security and supporting Vietnam in implementing commitments under the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, relevant international labor standards, as well as national strategies for socio-economic development.
