Vietnam Protects the Rights for People with Disabilities During COVID-19

When Vietnam is adjusting to the pandemic and moving toward a "new normal," the government is interested in aiding persons with disabilities in reintegrating into society following the pandemic through ministries, agencies, sectors, and communities.

Increase job opportunities for people with disabilities

According to figures from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, Vietnam now has over 6.2 million people with disabilities, yet only 31.7 percent of them are employed. The 15-year-old and above ones have a 36 percent employment rate, compared to 60 percent able bodies. Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, how to help them find suitable occupations has become increasingly challenging in the past two years.

People with disabilities are among those most affected by the pandemic, according to a quick assessment by the United Nations Development Program in Vietnam (UNDP); 72 percent of respondents have a monthly income of less than 1 million VND, the other 30 percent said to be unemployed as a result of the pandemic, the 49 percent said their working time has been reduced; among of the employed, 59 percent said their working time has been reduced.

To secure jobs for those with disabilities, local governments have used a variety of ways to connect job information for them, particularly in the context of the pandemic. For instance, in Hanoi, employment prospects for individuals with disabilities have been prioritized and implemented well. According to Nguyen Hong Ha, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Disabilities People Association, to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, the Association has actively organized vocational training for members through coordination with the vocational training center and businesses. The Association at district levels and its members coordinate with local businesses and vocational training institutes and recommend on-site jobs for hundreds of them.

The Association also worked with a number of businesses to understand recruitment needs, seek for cooperation opportunities in recruiting workers with disabilities. In particular, in September 2021, the Hanoi Disabilities People Association launched a Youtube channel about employment services for those with disabilities - this is one of the activities within the framework of the project "Private-public partnership in vocational training and education for the youth with disabilities in Hanoi, Vietnam” sponsored by Rehabilitation International - RI.

Guiding workers with disabilities to learn sewing at Vocational-Job establishments 3-12. Photo: Thoi dai

Hanoi currently has more than 100,000 people with disabilities, about 30% of which are young people who need a stable job. Recently, the Hanoi Disabilities People Association has encouraged them to participate in the general labor market. In which, productions and business units (Vun Art Cooperative, Vocational - Employment Facility 3/12, Pink Heart Handicraft Cooperative, etc.) affiliated to the Association with employer requirement is a very good opportunity for those with disabilities to find work.

The Association also collaborates with the Hanoi Employment Service Center to provide information about job opportunities for people with disabilities through a variety of methods, including official dispatches to district associations and email. As a result, it helps them to gather information, personally participate in disability integration workshops, approach companies, and find suitable employment.

Ensuring safety for people with disabilities during the pandemic

Along with employment security, ensuring safety for those with disabilities is considered by all levels, sectors, and communities and localities during the pandemic. Because the majority of those being cared for and nurtured have several underlying conditions, a weak immune system, and a higher risk of infection, the prevention and control of the Covid-19 pandemic must be done with even greater zeal.

From the beginning of the pandemic, departments, ministries, branches, and disability care centers across the country have raised awareness of preventing the pandemic so that individuals with disabilities know how to protect their health, clean their surrounding environment and disinfect rooms on a regular basis. Body temperature and health situations of employees, staff and subjects being handled, cared for and fostered on a daily basis are monitored regularly. The unit made significant changes to the individuals' lifestyles and training routines, including the addition of nutritional supplements to their daily meals, in order to improve their immunity.

Giving gifts to support people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Decision No. 33/2021/QD-TTg, the people with disabilities during treatment due to the pandemic or medical isolation are entitled to an additional support of USD 43 per person.

The Prime Minister has issued the Program to Assist People with Disabilities for the period 2021-2030, the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities Implementation Plan, and the Implementation Plan for Directive 39. The relevant ministries and branches, as well as provincial and centrally-run city People's Committees, have issued numerous programs and plans to realize care and support for people with disabilities.

It is clear that the Vietnamese Party, Government, and the people always pay special attention to those with disabilities. Practical sharing and support have given them the power and confidence to rise up, integrate into the community, and contribute to society's growth.

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