Although Vietnam has gained many achievements in poverty reduction, greater efforts are needed to ensure the benefit of vulnerable groups and sustainable development, said a UN expert during an official visit to Vietnam. Magdalena Sepulveda, an independent UN expert on human rights and extreme poverty, made the announcement at a press release on August 31. Magdalena Sepulveda spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts in reducing poverty through programs 134 and 135 and the social security strategy for the 2011-2020 period, which she thought should be linked well with other social policies. She also called for international assistance for Vietnam to cope with the impacts of climate change. During her visit, she had working sessions with Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem and went on fact-finding tours to some poor provinces like Bac Kan and Quang Nam. (vovnews.vn Aug 31)
