Children's rights communication session for parents and carers of children with disabilities in Hanoi and Danang

On November 27, 2022, 2 communication sessions on children's rights for parents and carers of children with disabilities were held in Hanoi and Da Nang. The activity is organised by ACDC with the Vietnam Autism Network and the Organisation of People with Disabilities in the Ba Vi District. The communication session aims to provide participants with information on Children's Rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 and the Law on the Child 2016, Children's Rights, with a particular focus on the right to participate and the right to be protected.

The event was attended by 90 people, who are parents and caregivers in Ba Vi, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Communication coordinators are all parents of children with disabilities who are in similar circumstances. Therefore, this is a chance to not only increase knowledge but also support parents in sharing information about their children's rights, how to safeguard them from abuse, and how to encourage their participation in many surroundings.

Mr Tran Dinh Hai, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang Organisation for Persons with Disabilities, said: "Today's media session I find it especially beneficial for parents with children with disabilities, especially autistic children since they themselves lack information on child protection. Through this media, parents have gained a lot of knowledge on children's rights. I am really appreciative of the ACDC for providing considerable events that are excellent for parents and children with disabilities."

With the same sharing, Mr Dao Van Tuan, Chairman of the Ba Vi District Organisation for Persons with Disabilities, said: "This is the first time that the CWD Parents Club in Ba Vi has had the opportunity to learn and share with fellow coordinators. We would like to thank the ACDC and its sponsors for this opportunity to help parents understand their children's rights. In addition to this activity, we anticipate that numerous other activities will be launched here to help parents and caregivers gain more information about CWD and respond to queries about it".

Mr N.M.D, a parent of autistic children in Da Nang shared about the communication session: “I found this communication session especially good and useful, helping parents understand policies and rights of children with disabilities, especially the right to protection.  Parents also know better about forms of abuse to protect children. This is an opportunity for families to gather and parents to share experiences.”

Ms T.T.P, a parent of children with disabilities at Ba Vi confided: "I was the first to participate in the media about this content. It not only helped me gain awareness of children's rights but also changed my behaviour toward my children. As a parent of young CWD, I find the content to be extremely useful to me, helping me increase the participation of my children in my family and school".

Teacher Bich Nhi, one of the two main moderators of the communication session in Da Nang, said: “After receiving training and improving my knowledge and expertise in children's rights, I felt more comfortable leading the session and actively sought out outside instances to learn more. Sharing what I have learned is something I think is incredibly valuable. I get to know many other new parents, and I first know how to plan a communication activity. Through the process of preparing the content, I also learned a lot of knowledge about laws and policies on children's rights. When I stand on the platform to share information, I notice parents of young children with autism paying close attention since this is critical information for them".

From the previous training sessions, the organizers have formed a group of quality core coaches and coordinators. This group of trainers and coordinators will continue to help more parents and caregivers of CWD understand the rights of their children.

The activity is within the framework of the project "Increased accountability to eliminate violence and discrimination against children with disabilities” (AVAC) implemented by ACDC, sponsored by Save the Children Hong Kong and the coordination of Save the Children Vietnam.