Children who account for 28 percent of Vietnam’s population are among the groups vulnerable to disasters and climate change incidents (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The findings of astudy on social protection systems in response to potential environmental risksand traumatic incidents for children and their families were revealed during aseminar in Hanoi on March 13.
The event was jointly held by the Ministryof Labour, Social Affairs and Invalids and the UNICEF.
The research on the building of a socialprotection system capable of responding to traumatic incidents in Vietnam wascarried out in two disaster-prone districts of Thuan Bac and Bac Ai in thesouth-central province of Ninh Thuan in November 2018.
According to the research, periods of droughthave caused poor health for children due to hot weather, dust and pollution,resulting in digestive diseases, especially for children under the age of five.
Meanwhile, families relocating to otherplaces can also disrupt children’s studies, along with other risks such aschange of environment and unstable living conditions.
Participants at the event said that Vietnamfaces various challenges, including a degrading environment and prolonged childpoverty. As Vietnam is among those nations hardest hit by climate change, thefrequency of natural disasters and climate change-related weather incidents arelikely to badly affect the country’s development potential.
Frequent disasters and climate changeincidents have caused severe impact to vulnerable groups, including childrenwho account for 28 percent of Vietnam’s population.
Participants also discussed limitations tothe country’s current social protection system in response to natural disastersand the role of competent agencies in the development of the system forchildren and their families, as well as determined prioritised steps to extendthe system.
They agreed that it is necessary to enhancefinancial sources, raise public awareness about child care and protection, andbolster training for parents and children in disaster response and prevention.
In addition, authorised agencies need todiversify types of aid relief after disasters to meet people’s demands,particularly for children in mountainous regions, and to review procedures todeliver aid in a timely manner. –VNA
VNA
