Tough punishment on those forcing children to go begging

VGP – Parents or other adults who force children to go out on the streets to beg for money shall be subject to a fine of VND 10-15 million (US$439-659), according to Decree 130/2021/ND-CP on punishment of administrative violations in sponsorship, social assistance and children.

Decree 130 which took place from January 1, 2022 stipulates different levels of financial punishment on child abuse in a bid to protect children.

Specifically, the Decree stipulates a fine of between VND 3-5 million for act of forcing children to do too many home chores that affect their studies, playing time and entertainment, thus adversely affecting their development, and organizing and forcing children into child marriage.

The Decree also prohibits violence against children and a fine of VND 10-20 million shall be applied to such behaviors as failure to provide needed food, accommodation or healthcare for children; bad treatment which cause mental harms for children; insult their dignity and honor; threaten and isolate them or give out punishment measures which cause physical and mental harms to kids.

A fine of between VND 20-25 million shall be imposed on parents and caregivers of children who intentionally abandon them.

Viet Nam is the first in Asia and the second globally to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, and has continued to demonstrate visible and forward-looking leadership in working to ensure every child is healthy, safe, educated and empowered to reach their full potential.

According to the United Nations Children's Fund, a United Nations agency, nearly 5.5 million children in Viet Nam experience at least two deprivations in education, healthcare, nutrition, shelter, water and sanitation, or social inclusion.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on children in Viet Nam, and they are in dire need of support to avoid long-term consequences./.

By Kim Anh