Children Vote for Change

Written by Vu Thi Nga - External Relations and Advocacy Officer

Should the age at which a person becomes an adult under Vietnamese law be increased from 16, as is the case now, to 18? This was the question faced by 34,500 children and teenagers who participated in the country’s largest referendum on the topic, as well as a proposal to organise a national children’s forum as an annual event.

The young participants, who ranged in age from 6 to18, expressed their opinions on the two proposed amendments to laws on child protection, care and education via surveys held between July and September last year.

Results for the first question were mixed, with a small majority of 53.5 percent favouring an increase to 18 of the legal age at which a child becomes an adult. The second question was more conclusive, with over 90 percent of respondents agreeing that a national children’s forum should take place every year because it would create opportunities for children to contribute ideas and opinions about their rights and duties.

This was the first time children have been involved in such a large survey on issues related to them. The Department of Child Protection and Care, under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), conducted the survey in association with Plan, Save the Children, UNICEF, Childfund and World Vision. Surveys took place through the website ykientreem.molisa.gov.vn, a telephone hotline (18001567), and handing out forms to be completed by hand in ten cities and provinces (Dien Bien, Hoa Binh, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Hanoi, Quang Tri, Quang Nam, Kon Tum, Dong Thap and Ho Chi Minh City).

“The survey’s goal was to develop child rights, especially freedom and recognition of expression,” commented MoLISA Deputy Minister Doan Mau Diep as he revealed the survey’s results at a conference jointly held by his ministry and the National Assembly Committee on Culture, Education, Youth and Children.

“The youngsters were given the opportunity to tell us the child-related policy and legal changes they want to see,” continued Mr Diep at the conference on 9 May.

Following the survey, World Vision will work with the Department of Child Protection and Care and other organisations to inform relevant policymakers of the children’s recommendations on amendments and additions to laws affecting young people.