200 disadvantaged children from Ho Chi Minh City attended a forum on children’s rights, held on August 27 by the Municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

 

The forum allowed disadvantaged children to talk directly with city officials about problems in their home and school environments, and the issue of child protection.

 

The children also participated in a variety of organised activities such as a drawing contest on the National Action Programme for Children.

 

“We want more attention from city authorities so all of us can attend school and be protected from abuse,” said Ho Dac Cam Binh from district 7.

 

Ho Chi Minh City now has more than 7,000 orphans and abandoned children living in various social support centres, 1,000 street children, and nearly 2,000 HIV-affected children.

 

In the past seven months, official reports listed 22 children sexually abused, 6 mistreated, 14 addicted to drugs, and 150 engaged in illegal activities.

 

(VOV)