Population ordinance amendment a milestone for human rights in Vietnam: UNFPA official
Granting couples and individuals the right to decide when to have children, how many to have, and the spacing between births, in line with their health, living conditions, work, study, and caregiving capacities, is fully aligned with the principles of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), to which Vietnam is a committed signatory, said the UNFPA Country Representative in Vietnam.
Matt Jackson, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The new provision in Article 10 of the amended Population Ordinance of Vietnam, which grant💯s decision-making power on childbearing to couples and individuals, marks a significant step forward for human rights, and is a clear expression of Vietnam’s commitment to promoting reproductive autonomy, said Matt Jackson, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam.
In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the World Population Day 2025 (July 11), Jackson stated that UNFPA fully supports the new provision in the amended ordinance and congratulates Vietnam for this progress.
Granting couples and individuals the right to decide when to have children, how many to have, and the spacing between births, in line with their health, living conditions, work, study, and caregiving capacities, is fully aligned with the principles of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), to which Vietnam is a committed signatory, he said.
According to Jackson, this provision also represents a shift in policymaking mindset, moving away from population "anagement and control" towards a people-centred approach that recognises personal autonomy and self-determination. It also signals Vietnam’s vision of a fair and sustainable society where everyone can plan their lives with full access to information and state support.
UNFPA believes that this provision is not only critical for protecting rights but also essential for navigating emerging demographic shifts, such as low fertility and population ageing, he said, adding that it lays the foundation for developing inclusive policies, from healthcare and childcare services to flexible work and comprehensive sexuality education, that enable people to make free and responsible reproductive decisions.
"UNFPA stands ready to support the Government of Vietnam in implementing the spirit of this new provision, building a society where 'every person, every choice, every future' is respected and protected", the official affirmed.
He went on to say that UNFPA acknowledges and values Vietnam’s sustained efforts in population policy over recent years, especially the integration of sexual and reproductive health and rights into national strategies and increasing life expectancy.
The country has also made commendable progress in reducing maternal and child mortality, expanding access to modern contraception and promoting comprehensive sexuality education. These achievements reflect the Government’s strong commitment to ensuring that all individuals, especially women, adolescents and vulnerable groups, have access to quality sexual and reproductive health services and can make informed decisions about their lives.
Vietnam’s population work should continue evolving in a holistic, inclusive direction, putting human rights at the centre, and framing sexual and reproductive health, responsible parenthood and freedom of reproductive choice as key pillars of sustainable development, he said, noting that this is the best way to ensure that all people, whether urban, rural, wealthy, poor, of any gender or marital status, are able to build the families they desire.
Jackson perceived that Vietnam is making considerable achievements in population policy, particularly in enabling everyone to take control of their own reproductive health and bodily autonomy.
As the country navigates demographic changes such as low fertility and population ageing like many other countries, it is more important than ever to continue advancing rights-based policies, ensuring that every person is able to make informed and voluntary reproductive choices, free from pressure, stigma and discrimination, he noted.
UNFPA calls on governments to address economic barriers that prevent people from achieving their desired number of children; and focus on ensuring equitably shared domestic work, affordable childcare and fertility services, and workplace conditions that empower women.
Reproductive freedom means ensuring rights and choices for everyone, everywhere, he continued, stating that UNFPA is committed to supporting Vietnam on its journey toward building an inclusive and sustainable society for all.
Jackson also highlighted the significance of the theme of the World Population Day 2025 – “Reproductive agency in a changing world”, saying that it is a powerful reminder that reproductive rights are not an abstract concept, they are the foundation of social justice, gender equality and sustainable development.
The theme puts people, their aspirations, lived realities and decision-making power, at the heart of population policies and programmes, he stressed.
With this people-centred approach, this year’s theme is especially relevant in the context of Vietnam’s rapid ageing and declining fertility, he said, adding that rather than responding with fear or pressure, this is a moment for Vietnam to reaffirm its human rights commitments and to continue investing in reproductive health, childcare support, comprehensive sexuality education, and protection for women and youth from stigma and discrimination./.
According to the Government’s proposal, amending the legal provision on the number of children is one of the measures to maintain replacement-level fertility and prevent a continued decline in fertility rates in the years to come.
UNFPA Representative in Vietnam Matt Jackson has affirmed UNFPA’s readiness to support Vietnam’s journey toward sustainable development by leveraging population data, fostering strong partnerships, and building resilience in a rapidly changing world.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has allocated 5.5 million USD to fund two news projects to support the Government of Vietnam with technical and financial support from UNFPA to address gender-based violence against women and girls, especially marginalised groups such as people living with disabilities and LGBTQI+ communities.
Vietnam still faces challenges in meeting its population and development goals. These include a rapidly declining birth rate (in 2024, the fertility rate dropped to just 1.91 children per woman) and a rapidly ageing population. Vietnam is among the fastest ageing countries, due to the low birth rate. The imbalance in the sex ratio at birth remains high, and teenage pregnancies are on the rise.
Amanda Nguyen, the first Vietnamese-American woman to travel into space, affirmed that all of her achievements are deeply rooted in her Vietnamese origin, which she is always proud of.
Nguyen Van Hau, Chairman and CEO of Phuc Son Group, was charged with giving bribes and violating bidding and accounting regulations, causing serious consequences. He received a combined jail sentence of 30 years - 14 years for bribery, nine years for the bidding violation, and seven years for accounting irregularities.
Following its debut in Bangkok, the Hanoi edition features a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes prepared by Peruvian chefs currently working across Asia.
The world-renowned travel magazine Travel + Leisure has just announced the results of its World’s Best Awards 2025, in which Capella Hanoi proudly stands as the only representative from Hanoi, Vietnam to be honoured in both the “Top 100 Hotels in the World” and the “Top 15 City Hotels in Asia.”
As part of the initiative “Million-view startup – supporting 20 million Vietnamese youths in start-up,” jointly carried out by SYS Vietnam, TikTok Vietnam, and Nhan Dan Newspaper, this initiative demonstrates efforts and a strong commitment to empowering and ensuring equal opportunities for those who continue to face barriers in accessing information, education, and employment.
Throughout the 59th session of the UNHRC, Vietnam’s delegation demonstrated a proactive, constructive, and responsible approach—engaging in dialogue, contributing to resolutions, and co-sponsoring major initiatives.
By offering convenient and transparent services, the app plays a crucial role in Co To’s strategy to become a smart, friendly, and sustainable destination, one where visitors feel welcomed, safe, and well-supported.
Highlighting the growing ties between Vietnam and China across politics, defence, security, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, Vietnam News Agency General Director Vu Viet Trang said the close collaboration between media outlets plays an important role in strengthening bilateral relations.
Police are probing into “violations of regulations on research, exploration, and exploitation of natural resources” and “violations of accounting regulations causing serious consequences” which occurred at Thien An Phat and other related entities.
President Cuong said building Vietnam into a nation of lifelong learning for every citizen is a very important task, a noble goal, requiring great efforts and endeavours of the entire Party, people, army and those who are working to promote learning and talent nationwide.
As Vietnam is entering a new phase of development with the aspiration to become a strong nation with influence and a solid position in the region and the world, building and defining the national image is not solely the responsibility of the media sector, but an integral part of every component of the country’s overall development strategy, Trang said.
The short documentary on a Vietnamese rice cultivation project in Cuba.is scheduled to air on VTV1 in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025).
The People’s Court of An Giang province on July 9 handed down an one-year prison sentence to the 17-year-old Ho Trong Phuc for "abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State and the rights and legitmate interests of organisations."
The case, involving around 150 suspects, centres on a large-scale criminal network that systematically created and exploited sensitive images and videos to blackmail victims.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will accelerate reforms under the theme “breakthrough momentum,” focusing on institutional improvement and resource mobilization. It aims to submit 27 decrees and 17 circulars to the Government, focusing on ministerial structure, staffing, payroll, social insurance, and policies for surplus personnel.
Located in Xaysettha district, the pagoda is a familiar gathering place for the community, especially during traditional Vietnamese festivals such as Buddha’s Birthday, Vu Lan, and the Lunar New Year.
