Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha asks for positive changes in children-related affairs in 2024: Illustrative image. (Photo: VNA)

In his conclusion at a regular meeting in 2023 of the National Committee for Children, which was issued by the Government Office on January 24, the Deputy Prime Minister demanded the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) to collect opinions and proposals from members of the National Committee for Children, and complete a report on the implementation of children's rights and resolve children-related issues in 2023, and 2024 plan of the committee.

MoLISA was tasked with building a plan for the implementation of Directive No. 28-CT/TW dated December 25, 2023 by the Politburo on enhancing the work of caring for, protecting and educating children to meet the requirements for the prosperous and happy development of the country. It is also responsible for building a plan to implement recommendations made by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child for Vietnam, and outline specific measures to address the UN's recommendations for improving key indicators related to children in sustainable development.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will coordinate with the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Education and Training, and relevant ministries and sectors to establish criteria for swimming pools and organise swimming lessons in schools and cultural and sports facilities for children in the community.

The Ministry of Information and Communications will monitor and assess the impact of online platforms and artificial intelligence, thus developing solutions to protect children in the online environment.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health will collaborate with relevant ministries and sectors to conduct research and provide recommendations on the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes, stimulants, and psychoactive substances on the physical and mental health of children.

The Ministry of Education and Training and relevant ministries and sectors will work on reviewing and improving criteria for food safety and hygiene, and health services in schools, and implementing specific measures to control and reduce school violence, and developing criteria related to the school culture.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security will direct local police forces to strengthen preventive measures, investigations, and handling of crimes related to the abuse of children and offenses involving under-18-year-old individuals.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Finance to coordinate with relevant agencies in revising, and supplementing necessary regulations and instructions to remove difficulties and obstacles in mobilising and managing resources for the child-related affairs.

The Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuracy were urged to build and implement laws regarding child-friendly justice system and juveniles; and ensure Vietnam's commitment to the rights of children in investigation, prosecution, and trial processes.

Member units of the National Committee for Children will continue to implement and organise the implementation of approved programmes, action plans, and initiatives to complete objectives related to children under their responsibilities, towards guaranteeing the comprehensive development of children, and providing them with a safe, healthy, and friendly living environment.

Attention will also paid to further standardising human resources involved in the child-related affairs, especially those responsible for child protection at the grassroots level, and promoting the role and creativity of organisations in caring for, educating and protecting children.