A two-day workshop opened in Hanoi on July 12 to discuss human rights among ethnic minorities in Vietnam and share European and Southeast Asian countries' experiences in the field. A number of papers emphasizing the strategic importance of Party and State policies related to ethnic minorities were presented at the workshop. Thanks to these policies and the participation of the political system and the public, rural and mountainous areas have seen a number of changes in recent years. Hunger and poverty have been reduced and cultural and spiritual lives of ethnic minorities have continuously been improved. The workshop also focused on ways to ensure the rights of ethnic minority girls and women and rights related to socio-economic development, as well as the community’s role in socio-economic management and development in regions with large ethnic minority populations. In addition, international experiences in this field were shared to help set future targets for ensuring socio-economic development rights among ethnic minorities based on comprehensive and sustainable development. Representatives from ministries, industries, localities and international organizations attended the workshop, together with managers and experts in ethnic minority issues. (nhandan.org.vn Jul 13)
