STATEMENT OF THE DELEGATION OF VIET NAM BY H.E. MR. HOANG XUAN LU ONG, VICE-MINISTER, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR ETHNIC AFFAIRS At the Forum on minority issues, Geneva, 27/11/2012, item 4 Madame Chair, Madame Independent Expert on Minorities, Ladies and Gentlemen, 1. Vietnam delegation welcomes the initiative to organize the fifth forum on minority issues. Our delegation will present about the achievement and measures to promote and protect the rights of Vietnamese Ethnic Minorities. 2. Vietnam is a unified nation composed of 54 ethnic groups with 53 ethnic minorities. Ethnic minority groups live closely together without a separation of territorial areas. The consistent policy of the State is to ensure that all ethnic groups are treated equally, live in solidarity and mutual support to strive for shared development. Since 1992, the Vietnamese legal system concerning ethnic minorities has been developed in a comprehensive manner and practically meets the legitimate interest of all ethnic minorities. Just in the last 10 years, Vietnam National Assembly has promulgated 38 laws directly related to ethnic minorities. 3. In order to protect the rights of ethnic minorities, there are the National Assembly's Ethnic Council and Government's Committee for Ethnic Minorities to promote and protect the rights of ethnic minorities. 4. The ratio of National Assembly's deputies belonging to ethnic minorities is 17.27% and that in the provincial, district and commune people's councils is 18%, 20% and 22.5% respectively. 5. By 2011, 100% communes with big ethnic minority population have roads, electricity, clean water, schools, health clinics, and post offices; 92% of people listen to the radio, 85% watch television. 6. The cultural identity of minorities is respected, their languages and script are taught in the education system. 7. Religious groups are recognized with more activities, especially among Protestants and recently the two churches of Protestantism are unified into one. 8. Although we gained important achievements, due to the characteristics of ethnic minorities residing in mountainous, highland and remote areas, the implementation of policies to protect the rights of ethnic minorities still involves many difficulties and challenges. 9. The measures in the years to come: The State increases resources. Solve the problems of production and clean water in those areas. The State will strengthen its supervision of the ministries, central branches, and localities in the implementation of laws and policies for ethnic minorities. Strict penalties for violations of law, violations of national policy. Effective implement the international instruments on human rights including the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. Thank you. /. Please check against delivery