Vietnam provinces combat child marriage in ethnic minority regions

Authorities in Vietnam's Quang Ninh and Lao Cai provinces are implementing multi-faceted strategies to combat child marriage and incestuous marriage within ethnic minority communities. These practices are being addressed due to their severe impacts on public health, population quality, and socio-economic development.

In Quang Ninh, local police and authorities have launched a model in Quang Duc commune that leverages the influence of village elders, respected community leaders, and traditional healers to promote legal compliance. This initiative includes specialized training for grassroots forces to improve their ability to act as a bridge between the government and local residents regarding marriage laws and social security.

In Lao Cai, the challenge remains significant due to geographic barriers and varying levels of information access. Reports indicate that since the beginning of the year, the province has recorded 56 cases of child marriage and prevented 112 potential marriages. Additionally, officials noted a high number of pregnancies among females under the age of 18, highlighting a critical need for improved reproductive health education and legal awareness in remote areas like Pha Long and Phuc Khanh.