At the children's forum in the northern province of Dien Bien on July 31. Photo: Ngoc Thuy

Participated in the forum were nearly 100 students of 19 ethnic minority groups in Dien Bien province , representing more than 200 thousand children across the province, and representatives from government units and communications agencies.

Themed “Children with children’s issues”, the event was also an opportunity for children to engage in dialogue with delegates on subjects they were interested in. They can voice their ideas and aspirations, as well as put forth proposals concerning several noticeable problems like drowning, violence and abuse of children, impact of digital technology on children’s development, child trafficking, and early marriage

Through presentations, art performances and paintings, the children expressed their hope to live in a safer environment, have better care, receive life skill education, and particularly learned and improved knowledge and skills on the prevention of violence against children.

Speaking at the forum, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Van Quy said although a wide range of policies have been carried out to protect children’s rights, many in remote areas are suffering tremendous disadvantages.

He asked competent agencies, districts and towns to strictly implement the Law on Children, and promote effective models to take care of the children such as “safe house”, “safe school” and “safe community”, as well as those preventing violence and abuse of children.

Due attention must be paid to carrying out regulations on receiving information and coordinating actions to handle child abuse cases. He called on businesses to join hands with local authorities to create more playgrounds for children.

Within the framework of the forum, children had offered incense at A1 martyrs’ cemetery, visited the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum, and exchanged with disadvantaged children at the centre for social protection of children, and SOS children’s village.