Participants at a workshop in Hanoi on April 27 underlined the role ofindependent supervisory mechanisms for the implementation of children’srights.

The function, meant to consult socialorganisations and media agencies, was held by the Vietnam Associationfor Protection of Children’s Rights (VAPCR); the National Assembly’sCommittee for Culture, Education, Youth, Adolescents, and Children; andthe United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

VAPCRChairwoman Tran Thi Thanh Thanh said almost all countries have twosupervisory mechanisms with one by the Government and the other bynon-governmental organisations.

The engagement ofnon-governmental organisations in monitoring right implementation willencourage social forces in protecting and caring for children, sheadded.

UNICEF specialist Vanessa Sedletzki said thepresence of an independent supervisory mechanism is important toensuring children’s rights as it will notify State agencies ofchild-related issues and coordinate with social forces, thus violationswill be shortly addressed.

At the event,participants highlighted the role of the media, asking journalists toacquire adequate knowledge in this regard. They also demanded afavourable legal framework for the development of children-focusedjournalism as well as children’s participation in press activities tovoice their viewpoints.

Attendees also discussedprogress and issues in the implementation of children’s rights and thecurrent system implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child inVietnam.-VNA