The discussion centred on Điện Biên’s implementation of the Law on Children and ongoing efforts to protect children’s rights.

Reports indicate that Điện Biên Province has over 216,000 children under 16, including more than 6,320 in special circumstances and 98,280 considered at risk. Local authorities have prioritised child protection, care, and education, supporting children’s overall well-being and social security.

In the first nine months of this year, 66 per cent of communes, wards, and towns in Điện Biên achieved child-friendly standards. Vaccination rates for children under one reached 78 per cent, marking a 29.1 per cent increase from last year. Sanitation facilities have been installed in all educational institutions, and children impacted by abuse or natural disasters have received timely support.

At the meeting, provincial officials reported on progress with the National Action Programme for Children, enforcement of the Law on Children, prevention of child marriage in ethnic minority communities, online child protection, and the effectiveness of various child protection initiatives. The discussions also reviewed inter-departmental collaboration efforts.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Vừ A Bằng, highlighted ongoing challenges in child welfare, citing the region’s unique geography, a shortage of child welfare staff at the local level, and limited funding.

He called for additional support from central authorities to develop tailored policies for remote and border areas, implement lunch programmes for children under three, and supply region-specific materials on child protection and education.

In her closing remarks, Deputy Minister Hà commended Điện Biên for its progress in supporting children’s welfare and urged the province to prioritise child protection and education. She encouraged integrating child-focused objectives into the province’s 2025-2030 action plans, in line with the Politburo Directive on enhancing child care and protection to meet national development goals.

The Deputy Minister also stressed the importance of strengthened collaboration between families, schools, and communities to safeguard and support children, while highlighting the need for capacity-building among grassroots-level child welfare personnel.