Ethnic Minorities, Poor to Receive Free Legal Aid

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has signed an official decision that gives free legal aid to the indigent and ethnic minorities in low-income districts as part of a plan to 2020. Apart from free legal aid, the plan requires that mobile legal services and legal-aid clubs be organised in communes to provide legal information. Free courses, brochures, audiocassette tapes and audio CDs on Vietnam's laws will be offered in Vietnamese and ethnic minority languages. Cultural activities and festivals related to legal issues will also be held. The decision will come into effect on October 2. (VNS Aug 26)