In 2017, USAID's Governance for Inclusive Growth Program and Vietnam’s Ministry of Justice (MOJ) finalized a handbook explaining basic human rights of vulnerable groups; the state’s obligations and current policies concerning their rights; and proceedings and legal services for the exercise and protection of their rights. Vulnerable groups include ethnic minorities, the poor, people with disabilities, persons with limited cognitive or behavioral control, people living with HIV/AIDS, drug addicts, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

Last week, the handbook was posted online at http://hdnv.moj.gov.vn/Pages/chi-tiet-tai-lieu.aspx?itemid=1872 after receiving approval from MOJ. By posting the handbook online, members of vulnerable groups in need of legal assistance, and community-based/civil society organizations working with vulnerable groups will be able to easily access laws relating to a variety of issues, including residential registration, marriage and family, participation in civil transactions, ownership and inheritance, etc. as well as the location of Legal Aid Centers that can provide in-person assistance.

So What? The handbook explaining basic human rights of vulnerable populations will help promote equality, justice, and inclusiveness in Vietnam by reducing legal barriers faced by vulnerable groups, and in turn contributing to better socio-economic development nationwide.