Persons with disabilities attend the event. (Photo: VNA)

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Van Hoi emphasised that the Party and State always pay attention to the affairs related to persons with disabilities (PWDs); encourage the responsible participation of the whole society as well as promote PWDs’ efforts to participate in social and welfare activities.

Recalling outstanding achievements in the society’s care for PWDs and efforts of PWDs themselves in all areas of social life, Hoi proposed ministries, sectors and localities continue to pay attention to and ensure the effective implementation of policies, laws, and legitimate rights and interests of people with disabilities; and ensure that they have equal opportunities, live independently and actively participate in social life.

Focus should be paid to reviewing and perfecting relevant laws, and especially mechanisms and policies related to health care, education, vocational education, employment, culture, sports, entertainment, and tourism, he added.

Susan Burns, US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, acknowledged Vietnam's efforts to enact comprehensive policies to protect PWDs, including care for, and training and introduction of jobs for them.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Duong Anh Duc said that the celebration was an important event about equal development, bringing happiness to PWDs and also an opportunity for them to assert themselves and strive to integrate into the community.

Delegates also called on the social community to continue raising awareness and responsibility, joining hands to take care of PWDs, and creating conditions for them to develop their talent, passion for physical training and sports, and improve their health.

According to the Vietnam National Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Vietnam currently has over 7 million PWDs, accounting for more than 7% of the population aged 2 years and over.

To date, more than 1.1 million PWDs have received monthly social benefits and free health insurance cards.

At the event, a photo exhibition featuring activities of PWDs was held. The organisers also presented the State President’s third-class Labour Orders to six coaches and athletes with disabilities, and the Prime Minister’s Certificates of Merits to nine coaches and athletes with disabilities for their outstanding sport achievements.