On August 24, in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) jointly organized a forum to prevent and reduce child labor and train vocational skills for young workers.
Attending were Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Thai Thu Xuong ; Member of the Presidium, Head of the Women's Labor Union Committee Do Hong Van and more than 300 union officials, union members, and workers working at factories and enterprises in Binh Dinh.
Explaining the reason for choosing Binh Dinh for this media event, Ms. Do Hong Van said: "This is a province with many facilities for exploiting and processing agricultural, forestry and fishery products. In the factory, the enterprise may not use child labor, but it cannot be confirmed that there is no child labor in the exploitation or product processing stages."
Ms. Do Hong Van called for: "The responsibility of trade unions and workers is to join hands in preventing and stopping the use of child labor in all stages of the production and business process as well as promoting Inform relatives, friends, and people around them to raise awareness of child protection, to prevent children from participating in early labor, working against the law, and becoming child laborers.
According to the results of the 2018 national survey, Vietnam has more than 1 million children participating in economic activities, ages ranging from 5-17 years old. Many of these cases are child labor, which not only directly affects the lives and future of children but also brings serious consequences to families and society.
In a message sent to the forum, Acting Head of UNICEF's Social and Policy Department in Vietnam Nguyen Thi Thanh An emphasized: "Comprehensive actions are needed to address the deep, multi-dimensional causes. The participation of the Government, private businesses, and social organizations is needed to protect children's rights. The ultimate goal is that every child must live, learn and develop in a safe, healthy environment."
Regarding young workers, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh An commented that Vietnam has an extremely dynamic young labor force. This is an important resource for the country's development. However, with the development of new technology and market changes, young workers need to be equipped with the necessary skills to adapt.
“It is very necessary for UNICEF to cooperate with the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor to implement communication programs to raise awareness about child labor as well as juvenile labor. We believe that the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, with its reputation and extensive network, will effectively convey information to workers. This cooperation will help localities, production and business establishments achieve positive changes in preventing and minimizing child labor as well as protecting and improving the qualifications and skills of children. young workers," Ms. An expressed.
The forum is run and led by the youthful and vibrant style of lecturer Nguyen Thi Minh Huong (Vietnam Youth Academy). More than 300 union members, workers, and laborers excitedly participated in multiple-choice situations, quizzes with prizes, and answered questions related to social and legal knowledge on children's rights; about child labor; signs of child labor abuse; How to receive and process information, notify and denounce risks and acts of child abuse; counseling and psychological therapy; connect child protection intervention services; Support and vocational skills training for young workers...
