Lai Chau works to promote local children’s participation in policy making

National Assembly deputies and members of the People’s Council of Lai Chau province held a dialogue on June 21 with representatives of children. (Photo: VNA)

The event was part of a cooperation programme between the province’s NA deputies, the provincial council of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneers’ Organisation, and Plan International Vietnam to promote children’s right of participation in the building of children-related policies.

More than 100 children representatives expressed their joy to have the chance to meet with lawmakers, People’s Council members and provincial officials and express their wishes and aspirations.

They posed many questions regarding the enforcement of the 2016 Law on Children and problems facing local children. The young citizens paid special attention to such issues as pressure from overloading school curriculum, school violence, risks of sexual abuse, the lack of safety skill training for children and parents, accidents and unsafe use of social media.

Chu Le Chinh, head of the provincial Party Committee’s Commission of Mass Mobilisation and member of the NA’s Committee on Culture, Education, Adolescents and Children, hailed the establishment of a Children’s Council in Lai Chau. He stressed the importance of listening to children’s voices and meetings between lawmakers and children.

Provincial officials affirmed that local agencies have been implementing many measures to create the best possible conditions for children in studying and playing, as well as a safe environment free from social evils for them.

The provincial authorities also work to raise the awareness of adults to prevent child marriage and school dropout, as Lai Chau is a poor mountainous locality with poor school and playground infrastructure.

Hoang Duc Long, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Council, said more similar dialogues with children will be held to help with the drafting of children-related policies. He also called on the children to actively engage in social activities./.

VNF/VNA