End violence against children in Viet Nam

Violence against children is everywhere but hidden behind closed doors violence and it is costing countries in East Asia and the Pacific around US $209 billion/year, equivalent to 2 percent of their combined GDP. All children have the right to live free from violence that harms their physical and mental growth, and holds back society. Violence against children is entirely preventable when people come together and say that it is not acceptable. When they make the invisible visible.

Escaping violence & moving forward

“Hung” in his home in Dong Thap Province, Viet Nam
© UNICEF Viet Nam \2015\Truong Viet Hung

Hung*, now 16, had a hard start in life. Hung’s mother left the family years ago, never to return, while his father struggled to make ends meet to feed his new wife and baby girl. Too poor and too busy trying to survive, Hung’s father could not provide a nurturing, safe environment for his son. Hung’s grandmother became his primary caregiver but she passed away when he was only 12.

That is when life became more difficult for Hung.  He struggled to do well at school and eventually dropped out in the 4th grade.  With no schooling and no one at home to watch over him, Hung spent more time with friends in internet gaming cafes.

Viet Nam responds to UNICEF’s global call with a national campaign to end violence against children

In Viet Nam, the first day of summer, 1st June, traditionally marks the national Children’s Day and the start of the national Month of Action for Children.

This year, together with the start of the Month of Action for Children, the Government of Viet Nam launched a national campaign to end violence against children in response to UNICEF’s global call for action to #ENDviolence against children.