People with visual impairment need more access to books and information. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - In Vietnam, books available for people with disabilities remain aslow as one percent, but there is hope for the future.
Expert gathered at aseminar in Hanoi on November 20 co-hosted by the National Committee on Peoplewith Disabilities and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
They discussed how a treatysigned in Marrakesh, Morocco five years ago was implemented to help those whoare visually impaired or struggle to read books could be beneficial in Vietnam.
The Marrakesh Treaty is thelatest addition to the body of international copyright treaties administered byWorld Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
It main goal is to create aset of mandatory limitations and exceptions for the benefit of the blind,visually impaired and otherwise print disabled (VIPs).
People with printdisabilities are those who cannot read texts, hold a book or turn pages becauseof visual, learning or physical disability. These people need books to betransferred to accessible formats including Braille, audio or large print to beable to read.
The treaty enablesproduction, distribution, importation and exportation of accessible formatcopies without having to ask for right holders’ permission.
Meanwhile, it providesreassurances for the publishing industry and the author.
In developed countries, upto 10 percent of published books are made into formats to which print disabledpeople can access, the percentage in developing countries including Vietnam isone percent.
While 70 countries havejoined the treaty, Vietnam is still to sign up.
“The workshop clearlydemonstrates Vietnam’s strong commitment to lift barriers that stand on the wayto realise the full potentials and inclusion for people with disabilities,”said UNDP Deputy Country Director Akiko Fuji.
On behalf of UNDP,Catherine Phuong, Assistant Country Director, also showed expectation on Vietnam’sparticipation in the treaty.
“We hope that Vietnam willbe the new country to join the treaty. More countries need to ratify the treatyto maximise the access to knowledge of people with visual impairment and printdisability,” she said.-VNS/VNA
The law on supervisory activities of the National Assembly and People’s Councils and the amended law on accounting were approved by the National Assembly (NA) on November 20.
National Assembly deputies discussed the draft revised Law on Press and adopted a resolution on the implementation of bailiff institution during their plenary session in Hanoi on November 26.
Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Francis Gurry has vowed to keep assisting Vietnam in intellectual property field.
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Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed that amnesty is a humanitarian policy of the Party and State, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and winning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally.
Vietnam officially grants limited-term visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
With support from the Vietnamese Association in Ufa, Vietnamese language classes for children have been offered for many years. Currently, 60 children of various ages are attending two classes taught by Duc Anh, free of charge.
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
Although millions of Vietnamese were affected by AO, only over 626,000 individuals, including war veterans and their children suffering from dioxin-related conditions, are currently receiving state benefits.
People with visual impairment need more access to books and information. (Photo: VNA) 
