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PHÁI ĐOÀN LIÊN MINH CHÂU ÂU TẠI VIỆT NAM
DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO VIET NAM
ỦY BAN DÂN TỘC
COMMIITEE FOR ETHNIC MINORITIES AFFAIRS
14 May 2015
PRESS RELEASE
The European Union contributes to the formulation of Ethnic Minority Policies
and promotes the awareness of ethnic minorities rights in Viet Nam
Lao Cai – Today, the Committee for Ethnic Minorities Affairs (CEMA) and the Delegation of the European Union to
Viet Nam through the EU-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue Facility co-organized a two day consultation workshop on
“Building and Implementing Ethnic Policies to Ensure the Rights of Ethnic Minorities - Sharing European and
Vietnamese Experiences”.
Similar to the two previous workshops held in Dak Lak, on April 13-14/2015 and Tra Vinh, on April 16-17/2015, the
main objective of this workshop in Lao Cai is to provide a platform for consultations and exchange of views among
the participants regarding inputs and suggestions to the objectives of the socio-economic development for ethnic and
mountainous areas programs in the period of 2016- 2020. Besides, the workshop also reviewed the European
experiences and recommendations contributed by the local participants from the two previous workshops on ethnic
minority issues to contribute to the formulation and implementation of Ethnic Minority Policies in the period of 2016
- 2020 to ensure the rights of ethnic minorities in Vietnam.
The main objective of the workshop is to improve the understanding and knowledge of human rights issues in Viet
Nam with focus on the rights of the ethnic minorities. It also aims at familiarizing Heads and officials of Central and
Provincial level government agencies and CEMA officials with key aspects of ethnic minority policies, laws and
practices while also promoting awareness of ethnic minority rights through European and Vietnamese exchange of
views on international standards of human rights and legal frameworks related to ethnic minority rights.
The opening remark of the Representative of the Committee for Ethnic Minorities Affairs (CEMA) highlights: "The
workshop opens up the common direction towards the successful implementation of the tasks vested by the Party and
the State, contributing to the dynamic and sustainable development for ethnic minority and mountainous areas.
Organizing the workshop is a very important step in the development and implementation of policies to protect the
rights of the ethnic minorities as it plays an important role in contributing to achieving the goal of Project 2214 and
other supporting activities for the ethnic minorities in the integration context. Besides, the workshop will contribute to
further tighten the cooperation between CEMA and EU Delegation together with other ministries, agencies,
provinces, foreign countries, international organizations and donors involved in investment and assistance attraction
for the socio- economic development of the ethnic minorities and the mountainous area ".
Mr. Juan Zaratiegui Biurrun, Political Advisor of the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam also emphasized
that: “European countries have a varied and rich number of ethnic communities. Geography, history, culture, and
lately, migration, have formulated different communities within the European society. This variety has undoubtedly
enriched Europe´s culture, and contributed to the tolerant and open social values we enjoy today.” And he continued:
”In line with universal human rights standards, also recognised by Vietnam, the EU and its Member States are
committed to respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of ethnic minorities.”
Addressing the workshop, The Chairman of Lao Cai People Committee said: “This is such an important event, which
is very meaningful to Lao Cai ethnic minority in particular and Viet Nam ethnic minorities in general. Ensuring the
rights of ethnic minorities and socio-economic development of ethnic minorities have always been considered the top
priority vested on by the Party and the State. The workshop also provides an opportunity for the locals to raise
awareness as well as to share experiences in building and implementing local ethnic minority policies towards the
achievement of better success in ethnic minority affairs for the period of 2016 -2020.”
Key speakers at the workshop include Mr. Nguyen Thanh Son, Head of The Office and Representative of the
Standing Office - Steering Committee on Human Rights; Mrs. Mai Hoan Nie Kdam - Vice Chairman of Dak Lak
People Committee; Representatives of Lao Cai People Committee; Mrs. Hoang Thi Hanh - Vice Head of North-West
Steering Committee; Mr. Ha Huu Lien - Representative of the South-West Steering Committee; Ms. Tran Nu Ngoc
Anh, Deputy Director of International Cooperation Department, CEMA; Mr. Phan Hong Thuy - Deputy Head of
Legislature Department, CEMA; Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh - Deputy Head of Social Policies Division, Policies
Department, CEMA. As the key European speaker at the workshop, Ms. Ewa Chylinski, a Senior Expert of the
European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) shared the international experiences on the development and
implementation of the plans in accordance to the recommendations of The Universal Periodic Review. Ms Chylinski
also presented European experiences, perspectives and expertise regarding the formulation and implementation of
ethnic minority policies and ensuring the rights of ethnic minorities.
Attending the workshop were over 90 participants from the agencies and departments of Viet Nam, including heads of
provincial and district level agencies from 14 provinces of the Northern Region. Two similar workshops supported by
the European Union Delegation to Vietnam were conducted in Dak Lak on April 13-14 and in Tra Vinh on April 1617/2015.
Background Information:
The EU-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue Facility is a three-year program (2013-2016) funded by the European Union
which aims to support Viet Nam's development through the implementation of activities in areas covered by the EUViet Nam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in 2012.
Media Contacts:
Ms. Nguyen Lan Nhi, Information & Communication Officer, EU - Vietnam Strategic Dialogue Facility, Tel: +84 04.
35 16 26 96
Mobile: (+84) 983 841 907 Email:[email protected].
Mr. Nguyen Kien Trung, International Cooperation Officer, Committee for Ethnic Minorities Affairs, 80 Phan Đình
Phùng, Hà Nội. Tel: (+84) 04 38 43 87 13 Mobile: (+84) 979 142 046 Email:[email protected]
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