Vietnam triples social protection support for people with disabilities, new report shows

THE HANOI TIMES — The number of people with disabilities receiving social protection in Vietnam has tripled to 1.7 million over the past 15 years, according to the newly released report titled “Building an Inclusive Future: Social Protection as a Catalyst for Disability Empowerment in Vietnam”.

The International Labor Organization (ILO), the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance and the embassies of Australia and Ireland in Vietnam released the report on December 3 to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 under the global theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”.

The report states that 1.7 million beneficiaries account for about 1.7% of Vietnam’s population, a rate that “compares well with other middle-income countries”. These individuals also receive fully subsidized health insurance.

The report identifies Vietnam as a leading lower-middle-income country in building disability-inclusive social protection, with the government's support through social assistance, social insurance and health insurance programs.

It has also developed a community-based disability assessment system to improve accessibility and designed a social assistance framework that reflects different disability-related costs.

The report offers evidence-based recommendations to strengthen inclusive social protection and expand productive employment opportunities nationwide for persons with disabilities.

ILO Country Director Sinwon Park stressed the importance of decent work and strong social protection.

“Social protection creates a foundation for empowerment. When persons with disabilities gain access to adequate support and productive employment, they can participate fully in the economy and society. This report shows Vietnam practical steps it can take toward building an even more inclusive future,” he said.

Cecilia Brennan, Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam, reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to disability inclusion.

“Australia stands with Vietnam and the global community in advancing disability equity and rights. Empowering people with disabilities strengthens our shared vision of a world where everyone can participate fully and equally,” she said.

Despite the progress, the report highlights areas that need more attention. Benefit levels for people with severe disabilities remain low, and people with mild disabilities still face coverage gaps.

The report also outlines policy priorities to improve links between social protection and productive employment.

Calling for unified action, Dang Van Thanh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Federation of Persons with Disabilities, urged government agencies, employers, development partners and communities to turn the report’s findings into concrete action.

He said persons with disabilities stand as equal contributors to society.

“We must remove barriers, cover disability-related costs, expand employment opportunities and ensure every policy reflects the voices of persons with disabilities,” said Thanh.

The report provides a strong evidence base to guide national reforms on employment and social protection.

It also supports Vietnam’s commitments under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, international labor standards and national socio-economic strategies.

The event featured an exhibition and product fair that highlighted the work of associations, groups and cooperatives owned or led by persons with disabilities, celebrating their skills, creativity and contributions to the economy and society.