Decree on Ethnic Minority Affairs Announced

The Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs promulgated a decree on ethnic minority affairs on February 24. The Decree No.05/2011/ND-CP includes five chapters and 28 articles stipulating activities relating to ethnic minorities, with the aim of ensuring and promoting equality and solidarity between ethnic minority groups in Vietnam. The policy also links economic growth with social welfare to improve ethnic minority people’s material and spiritual lives and preserve and promote the cultural identity and fine traditions of all Vietnamese ethnic groups. In addition, the Decree regulates policies on investment; the use of human resources; education, culture, sports, health, population and tourism development in ethnic minority areas. The Decree will take effect on March 4, 2011. (www.nhandan.org.vn Feb 25)