The first reason is poverty. Because of poverty, children are often forced into work, even in harsh conditions. Other causes are the lack of awareness among families as well as poor management over migration.In addition, overlapping and vague regulations cause loopholes to be exploited in legal frameworks. As a result, child care groups face lots of difficulties.What key measures are in place to curb the labor exploitation of children?Besides comprehensive poverty reduction measures, Vietnam has implemented projects to boost child care and protection, especially to those living in rural mountainous areas or those from ethnic groups. This is part of the National Action Program for Children up until 2020.However, I think that the policy has failed to get the desired effect. A community-based network to protect and deliver care to children is needed. The network should engage all parties including local leadership, police and social organizations. They would help supervise, detect and report any exploitation of child labor at grassroots levels.Moreover, public understanding about child care and protection law must be improved. More understanding would help parents and authorities in communities become better aware of threats to children. I also think that punishments for violators should be more severe, for example, sending them to jail or revoking business licenses of establishments and companies which employ children. (Vietnam News Feb 21)
