NGO RC Working Groups

A range of sectoral and technical working groups have been established under the Resource Centre over the past decade. These groups provide a valuable resource for the sharing of information, ideas, resources and experiences within the development community in Vietnam. For more information on the Working Groups, please refer to the Working Group Guidelines (approved be SC May 2006) established by the Resource Centre.

To sign up to a Working Group mailing list, click here.

Related documents

The following Working Groups are currently active:

Administrators Working Group

The Administrators Working Group meetings provide an opportunity for Vietnamese Administrators, Accountants, Administration and Human Resource Officers of international NGOs to share their experiences with regard to their day-to-day work in administration, human resource management, accounting and finance, and to learn from good models and examples of other INGOs.

Meetings are coordinated by a small core group selected from the participants. The meeting chair and host rotate among participating organisations. Information on upcoming meetings of the Administrators Working Group will be posted on the Calendar.

Various Operational Resources are also available on this website.

For more information, contact the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre Administrator on administrator@ngocentre.org.vn.

If you would like to receive information updates through the Administrators Working Group mailing list, please follow the link below.

Join the mailing list

Agent Orange Working Group

The Agent Orange Working Group was established by a group of INGOs with projects aiming to resolve the legacy of Agent Orange and provide humanitarian assistance to Vietnamese war victims. The first meeting was held at the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre in July 2004, and subsequent meetings are scheduled on a regular basis.

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Thao Griffiths,
Country Representative, Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation
Email: tgriffiths@vi.org
20 Ha Hoi, Hoan Kiem, Ha noi
Tel: 04 - 733 9444
Fax: 04 - 733 9445
http://www.veteransforamerica.org

AO Meetings and other activities

Information and minutes from AOWG meetings as well as other activities relevant to AO in Vietnam. Information on upcoming meetings of the Agent Orange Working Group will be posted on the Calendar.

Agent Orange Resources

Information collected and shared by the AOWG.

The Fund for Reconciliation and Development
Contact information and website links for International NGOs, Government agencies, Vietnamese institutes, research bodies and local organisations, and donors and other international organisations working in the field of Agent Orange in Vietnam.

To join the Agent Orange Working Group mailing list, through which participants share information, up-coming conferences, meeting dates, etc. please follow the link below:

If you have any problems joining the list, please contact Vern Weitzel, the list manager, at vern@coombs.anu.edu.au

AO Meetings & Other Activities

Information and minutes from AOWG meetings as well as other activities relevant to AO in Vietnam. Information on upcoming meetings of the Agent Orange Working Group will be posted on the Calendar.

Meetings held in 2007

21 June 2007

Meetings held in 2006

17 October 2006
This meeting was hosted by the VVAF and was an informational meeting with the Office of National Steering Committee to Address Consequences Caused by Toxic Chemicals Used during the war in Vietnam (commonly known as the Office of the Committee 33), to learn about the studies and the presentation of the Vietnamese delegation to the 26th International Symposium on Halogenated Persistent Organic Pollutants DIOXIN 2006 held in August 21-25 in Oslo.

27 March 2006

Meetings held in 2005

4 August 2005

4 February 2005

AO Resources & Studies

This page contains information collected and shared by the AOWG, including:

Websites & studies

 

Child Rights Working Group

The NGO Child Rights Working Group (CRWG) was established in June 2006 as INGO initiative to strengthen the Government's efforts in advancing children's rights, consolidate and strengthen and avoid repetition of NGO efforts.

It is composed of international NGOs working in Vietnam, mass organizations, local NGOs and other Vietnamese community groups. Other relevant agencies and organizations, such as UN bodies and specialized agencies (UNICEF, ILO, UNODC, etc), government ministries and organizations, research institutes, experts etc are welcome to participate.

The chairmanship is undertaken on a rotating basis by founding organisations. The Working Group aims to share information and generate discussions on child rights issues, including early child care and development, child participation, protection of children from abuse, violence and exploitation through labour, trafficking and prostitution, juvenile justice, child poverty, childhood disability, education, health, handling of child rights violations, CRC reporting and following up to the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, World Fit for children etc, through regular bi-month forums informally organised by international NGOs in Vietnam.

TOR of Child Rights Working Group will be posted when it is available. For details on previous meetings and useful resources and links, follow the links below.

For more information please contact Ms. Childyal Shikha - Childrights Advisor or Mrs. Le Quynh Lan from Plan Vietnam Tel: 8220 661 Email: lan.lequynh@plan-international.org. To sign up to the CRWG mailing list, click here.

Child Rights WG Meetings

Meetings held in 2007

April 19, 2007

February 9, 2007

Meetings held in 2006

Sept 29, 2006

August 18, 2006

July 13, 2006
The first meeting of Child Rights Working Group was held at the Plan Vietnam Office on 13 July with the participation of Plan International, the six Save the Childrend Foundations (Sweden, UK, Japan, Australia, France, USA), World Vision, Care International, and other interested international NGOs.

Relevant UN agencies such as ILO, Unicef, WHO, UNODC, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNDP, etc) and other Vietnamese local groups and government organisations also attended.

The main topics of the meeting were:

  • the purpose and TOR of the Child Rights Working Group;
  • presentation on the results of NGO's report on OPSC; and
  • other discussions on the possible inputs and involvement in third and fourth report on CRC implementation.

 

Child Rights WG Resources & Links

The book, "Keeping Children Safe Toolkit", is available online at http://keepingchildrensafe.org.uk/

Reports from the Committee on the Rights of the Child
Conclusions and recommendations concerning the implementation of the Convention of the Rights of the Child in Viet Nam, which were adopted by the Committee on the Rights of the Child during its forty-third session

Concluding observations: Viet Nam, 43 session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child

Concluding observations: Viet Nam, 43 session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child

43 Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child

43 Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child
The documents from the examination of the reports are now available electronically. You will find the State Party Report, the List of Issues, Written Replies, the delegation list and the delegation statement (if available) and the summary records. The latter might be either in English or French and then translated into the other language in six months. All these documents can be found at: http://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/crcs42.htm

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Network

The Vietnam Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Network was established in July 2007 by a group of NGOs, tourism operators and other interested parties to improve and expand the quality of CBT development as a means towards improving the livelihoods of the rural poor through CBT.

The Vietnam CBT Network will also function to support the development and exchange of information, improve the quality of CBT development, further raise the profile of CBT, and perform advocacy activities for CBT and the target groups of CBT development (typically rural, ethnic minority poor).

The establishment of the Vietnam CBT Network provides a platform by which CBT development can be effectively improved and expanded through improved engagement and coordination among “local partners-practitioners”.

To join the Vietnam CBT Network mailing list, please click here.

SNV is currectly focal point of CBT Network. For further information on the network, please contact:

Mr. Douglas Hainsworth
Senior Advisor, Practice Area Leader, Pro-poor Sustainable Tourism,
SNV- The Netherlands Development Organization
6th Floor, Building B, La Thanh Hotel, 218 Doi Can
Hanoi, Vietnam
T: (84-4)8463791 ext: 137
F: (84-4) 8463794

Vietnam CBT Network Meeting Minutes

 

  • 1st Core Group Meeting
    October 10, 2007
    Venue: NGO Resource Centre
    Meeting Minutes

 

CBT Resources


  • CBT Toolkit: A Toolkit for Monitoring and Managing Community-Based Tourism [FINAL VERSION NOV 2007] [ENG] [VIET]
    This toolkit is designed to provide readers with the know-how to set up and run a monitoring programme for a community-based tourism project. It gives step-by-step guidelines, supported by a wide range of case studies, to enable readers to embark on their own monitoring project.
  • CBT Booklet [ENG] [VIET]
    To create a better understanding of CBT and the way it is used in Vietnam, this booklet presents five case studies of CBT projects in Vietnam. The descriptions of the cases are based on a series of interviews and presentations that were held prior and during a two-day CBT workshop in Hanoi in May 2003. A brief outline of this workshop can be found in Part 1of this booklet, which also provides a general discussion of the CBT concept. Part II contains descriptions of the five cases: Ba Be National Park, Cuc Phuong National Park, Mai Chau, Sa Pa, and Suoi Voi. The contact details of relevant organisations and the projects included in this booklet are given in Part III.
  • Cultural Diversity Conservation [ENG] [VIET]
  • EU Market for CBT

Development Information Working Group

The Development Information Working Group was established in 2006 through an initative of active members from the Development Library Network. The group's purpose is to strengthen collaboration among development libraries in Vietnam and build close linkages among libraries and resource centres in Hanoi, which provide useful spaces for information-sharing for the development community in Vietnam. The group meets quarterly in Hanoi.

Information on upcoming meetings of the Development Information Working Group will be posted on the Calendar. For more information, contact the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre or view a full list of NGO RC Working Groups and sign up to a group, click here.

 

Development Information WG Meetings

September 21, 2006
The third meeting of Development Information Working Group was held on 21 September 2006 and the key topic of the meeting was the finalisation of the TOR of the working group. Objectives, activities, annual plan, core group and chair selection were also discussed. For further details please consult the meeting minutes.

August 17, 2006
The second meeting of Development Information Working Group was held on 17 August and discussed:

  • following up on the IO/NGO library directory/database, ways to improve cooperation;
  • resource sharing mechanism (book exchange, etc.); and
  • cooperative reference services/client support.

As agreed at the meeting, the TOR of Working Group has been drafted and circulated around working group members for comment.

June 2, 2006
The first meeting was held on 2 of June. It was an exploratory meeting and 10 participants attended. The main discussion were:

  • updating the contact information of the dev-library;
  • the role of libraries as information resource; and
  • possible Synergies between libraries.

At the meeting it was agreed that collaboration between information and resource centre and development libraries in Hanoi should be established, with the overall purpose of increasing access and quality for the users of these centres and libraries.

An initial brainstorm of possible activities suggested an update and development of the RC and Library database, creating virtual links and referral between the libraries, organising a RC and library event, creating a shared infomation search mechanism etc.

NGO RC will take the lead in the development stage of this WG.

Disability Working Group

The Disability Working Group promotes co-operation, collaboration and better communication among INGOs, organisations of People with Disabilities (PWD), relevant Government Ministries and donor agencies. Issues addressed by the Working Group include rehabilitation and health services, employment, inclusive and vocational education, disability prevention, public awareness of disability issues and barrier-free access to public places.

Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of odd-numbered months (2:00 pm) at the NGO Resource Centre office, 218 Doi Can, Hanoi, La Thanh Hotel, building F1. Active participants in the Disability Working Group currently include about twenty NGOs and some other PWD groups. A range of sub-groups have also been established to focus in more detail on specific issues such as Employment of PWD.

Information on upcoming meetings of the Disability Working Group will be posted on the Calendar.

To join the Disability Working Group email list, please click here.

For more information, contact the following core group members:

Mr. Horvath Robert or Mr. Bui Van Toan - VNAH
roberthorvath@vnah-hev.org
Tel: 7473 000

Handicap International
hivietnam@hn.vnn.vn
Tel: 7629 135

Mr.Andrew Wells Dang - Catholic Relief Services Vietnam
Tel./fax: (844) 9346 916     9346920  Email:awells-dang@vn.seapro.crs.org
Room 342, Binh Minh hotel 27 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Mr. Pham Dung Medisch Comte Nederland Vietnam - MCNV
1A B5 Nam Thanh Cong Lang Ha, Dong Da Hanoi
Tel:  (844) 8359005     Fax: (844) 7760655 Email: mcnvdung@netnam.vn

Useful Links & Resources

Disaster Management Working Group

The Disaster Management Working Group (DMWG) was set up in 1999 to support information sharing and coordination of relief activities. The group meets monthly, with the objective of supporting hazard reduction and disaster management in Viet Nam through improved information sharing and coordination of interventions amongst all relevant agencies.

Information on upcoming meetings of the Disaster Management Working Group will be posted on the Calendar or join our Mailing List. For more information, contact the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre.

Updates on disasters affecting Vietnam

The Disaster Management Working Group is very active in collecting and diseminating information on preparedness and relief. This includes the creation of a joint assessment network for improved, collective response to disasters affecting Vietnam. The Working Group maintains an updated webpage, with links to news headlines, research and other resources below:

To read the meeting minutes from past meetings, follow the links below.

Disaster working group meeting in 2008

 

Meeting on 7 November 

 Further update on damage caused by heavy rain and flood in the Northen provinces

Meeting on 4 November

Update on damage caused by heavy rain and flood in the Northen provinces

Report on the findings of the Cluster Leadership Approach Applicability
Study – UN PCG 10 and NDMP

Writing case study on progress of Hyogo Framework for Action UNISDR

Meeting on 7 October

Presentation on JANI from Care International

Meeting minutes

Meeting on 9 September

Presentation on cluster approach by Ugo - UNDP


Meeting minutes

Urgent meeting on 30 sept on typhoon No 6,7

Meeting minutes

Meeting on 20 August: debriefing meeting on
Rapid Joint Assessment findings -

Kammuri Typhoon – Storm No. 4

Meeting minutes

Meeting on 11 August: Emergency meeting for Response to Flood/Flashflood situation following Kammuri Typhoon – Storm No. 4

Meeting minutes


Meeting on 3 July

Presentation on Hazard and vulnerability mapping by Viet - Oxfam

Meeting minutes


Meeting on 5 June:

this is special meeting with the discussion on how to improve the coordination for disaster response machanism among organisation in cooperation with relevant government agencies.

Meeting on 25 April 2008

DRR Lesson learned from Oxfam

Dani project Presentation

Lesson learned from DRR project in MARD

Draft Cold Report from Oxfam


Meeting minutes

 

Disaster Management WG Resources

  • UNDP Project VIE/01/014 - Capacity Building for Disaster Mitigation in Vietnam

DIPECHO

Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Advocacy Network Initiative in Vietnam

For further information contact:
Hanoch Barlevi
CBDRM Advocacy Network DIPECHO Joint-Programme Coordinator
CARE International in Vietnam
Telephone: (84-4) 716 1930; Mobile: (84) 0912794939

 

Disaster Management WG Meeting Minutes 2007

Meeting in 2008

 

Meeting on 25 April 2008

DRR Lesson learnt from Oxfam

Dani project Presentation

Lesson learnt from DRR project in MARD

Draft Cold Report from Oxfam

Meeting minutes

 

Meeting in 2007

Prepare meeting for conducting Rapid joint assessment needs in 3 provinces most affected areas caused by Lekima typhoon.

  • DMWG Meeting July 5

Presentation on "Public health and Emergency preparedness" - presented by Mr.Le Quang Hieu - World Health Organisation, who attended the international regional training course on public health and emergency preparedness in Asia and pacific in Thailand in June.

Damage assessment & needs analysis for the health sector - development of guidlines and protocol
Rapid health assessment
Lessons learn for health emergency management
Meeting minutes July 5

Disaster Preparedness & Relief Updates 2007

This page is used to share information on disaster preparedness, relief and rehabilitation in Vietnam in 2007.

More information is available on this site from Disaster Management Working Group, as well as from the Natural Disaster Mitigation Partnership (NDM-Partnership) section on the CCFSC website. http://www.ccfsc.org.vn/ndm-p

Heavy rains, floods and whirlwinds in Central provinces November

Emergency Relief from PACCOM

Summary of damages


Sharing the assessment findings in Quang Nam by Save Children Alliance 26 Nov 07

 

Typhoon Lekima (Storm NO.5)

Reports at meeting on 15 October - Typhoon Needs assessment report debriefing

Presentation for report in Nghe An Province

Report for Nghe An Province

Presentation for report in Thanh Hoa


Final report for Thanh Hoa province

Presentation for report in Ha Tinh

Report for Ha Tinh Province

Report for Ninh Binh Province

 

Typhoon Pabuk (Storm N0.2)


Reports at meeting on 17 August - Typhoon Needs assessment report debriefing

presentation of Quang binh report

Total Damages caused by Storm No. 2 until 20th August (source from NDMP)


Quang Binh Assessment report

Ha Tinh Rapid Assessment report in Ha Tinh province


Presentation of Fatherland Front

Conducting activities to respond and overcome the consequences

Public Health In Complex Emergencies Training Program

PHCE is a two-week residential course designed to strengthen the public health skills and knowledge of:

  • NGO staff who are responsible now (or may be in the near future) for making decisions that affect the health of refugees and internally displaces persons.
  • District Medical Officers and other Ministry of Health staff working in regions affected by complex emergencies.
  • Staff from international and governmental organizations instrumental in planning services for people affected by complex emergencies.

The PHCE training program is a joint effort of the Faculty of Health Science, American University of Beirut; the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center in Bangkok; Makerere University Institute of Public Health in Kampala; and World Education, Inc. and the International Rescue Committee in the US.

In the past, the International Rescue Committee handled admissions. As part of PHCE's goal to institutionalise these courses at regional centers, the admission process is now handled by the regional institutions hosting the courses.

Disaster Preparedness & Relief Updates 2006

DMWG Emergency Meetings

7 December 2006
The meeting focused on i) Updated Situation ii) The need of conducting Joint Assessment field trip after the DurianTyphoon. See details in the meeting minutes below:

6 December 2006
The DMWG had a emergency meeting the 6 December 2006 to coordinate efforts and set up a joint assesment team (JA team)

Further information - relevant documents, updates and reports

Furthermore, Oxfam and Care International are conducting a joint assessment which might be considered as complement of DMWG joint assessment. Please find a TOR of assessment for your information:

Typhoon Durian (Storm No.9)

Typhoon Durian past away and left behind huge damages to Vietnameses. Death toll is 73, but 16 people are still missing, 1,370 people where injured, 35.181 houses collapsed, 181.737 houses lost their roofs and 813 boats sunk (these figures are according to NDM-P's update of 8/7-06).

The most affected area are Phu Qui island-Binh Thuan province, Ba Ria Vung Tau province, Tien Giang and Ben Tre, Vinh Long.

Heavy rains caused by typhoon in Danang, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai provinces, river water would reach dangerous levels.

The development of the typhoon was as follows: the typhoon approached Khanh Hoa coast and passed Binh Thuan (Phu Quy Island), then crossed Ba Ria - Vung Tau and HCM City, Tien Giang, Ben Tre and a part of Tra Vinh and then go to Vinh Long and Can Tho.

Typhoon Chebi (Storm No.8)

All information related to the Chebi typhoon was posted on CCFSC website by NDMP Secretariat. Please visit http://www.ccfsc.org.vn/DMU_En/ for more information.

Typhoon Cimaron (Storm No.7)

For the latest daily update given on Cimaron by the NDM-Partnership, please follow the link below:

Typhoon Xangsane (Storm No.6)

Tropical Storm Xangsane (Storm No. 6) has been assessed one of the most violent typhoon in the last 20 years in Vietnam.

The typhoon landed in Viet Nam on Sunday night., 1 October. Formed in the East sea of the Philipines (26 September) and landed at Da Nang City and was followed by heavy rain that flooded a large area from Nghe An to Bihn Dinh. Damage from the storm has affected sea dykes, houses, roads and other infrastructure, as well as flooding of large areas of agricultural land.

Loss figures
Deaths: 66 Persons

Typhoon 28

Collapsed houses (13), Collapsed roofs (4), Sunken boats(4), Rescuer (1), Others (6).
Flood: 28
· Missing: 2 (by flood)
· Injury: 525
· Collapsed houses: 19.736
· Damaged houses: 273.744
· Sunk and damaged boats: 878
· Estimated total economic loss: 10.375 billion VND (650 USD)

This figure was updated the 10 October 2006 by CCFSC

Government action:
The Government took strong preparatory measures, including the evacuation of around 200.000 people from coastal regions prior to the storm. During the storm the military, police and local government officers monitored and helped people evacuate out of damaged houses, rescued floating boats and worked to ensure the Communications systems during the storm. The government subsidises 161 billion VND and 1500 tons of rice for the recovery work.

Immediately after the sixth storm, government ministries sent missions to prone-storm provinces to follow up the response and recovery, including missions as follows:

MARD missions
- The first Mission: standing in Da Nang province led by Mr Le Huy Ngo, the Chief of CCFSC
- The second Mission to Quang Nam, Da Nang and Quang Ngai provinces led by Mr Cao Duc Phat, Minister of MARD
- The third Mission to Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces led by Mr Nguyen Ngoc Thuat, Deputy Minister of MARD.
- Mission of Fisheries Ministry: to Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue provinces led by Mr Nguyen Viet Thang, Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ministry
- Mission of Defence Ministry to Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa

Local level action
Affected-storm localities have also given necessary measures for caused-storm impact recovery such as: support food and essential utensils for difficult households, especially beneficiaries of the social welfare, recourses mobilizing to help grassroots people repair damaged houses, environment sanitation treatment, clean water and health care supply to people

DMWG action
Immediately after the sixth storm, a meeting was convened by DMWG in 2nd October 2006 with the engagement of Government Agencies, NGOs, NDM-Partnership and other partners working in disaster management to discuss the caused-storm losses and follow-up relief measures. Three missions to 3 provinces (Quang Nam, Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue) to access damage status and relief needs were established in this meeting. These groups started the mission at 6.30 pm 4th October 2006 to the Central provinces.

The 12th October 2006 they could successfully present a Joint Assesment Report at a briefing meeting called for by UNDP between international donors, government officials and UN organisations.

Relevant Information and Reports

The input for these updates was provided by DMWG and CCSFC.

Disasters or preparedness issues affecting Vietnam in 2008

 

This page is used to share information on disaster preparedness, relief and rehabilitation in Vietnam in 2008.

More information is available on this site from Disaster Management
Working Group, as well as from the Natural Disaster Mitigation
Partnership (NDM-Partnership) section on the CCFSC website. http://www.ccfsc.org.vn/ndm-p

 

Typhoon Kammuri (Storm number 4)

Appeal letter from PACCOM


Need Assessment Report for Lao Cai province


Need Assessment Report for Phu Tho Province


Need Assessment Report for Yen Bai province


 

Disaster Preparedness & Relief Updates 2005

Typhoon Damrey (Storm No.7)

Typhoon Damrey - reported as the most powerful storm to affect Vietnam in the past 10 years - crossed the Vietnamese coastline on Tuesday 27 September, moving inland across the northern half of the country. The Government took strong preparatory measures, including evacuation of more than 300,000 people evacuated from coastal regions prior to the storm.

Up to possibly 63 fatalities have been reported for Vietnam, with the largest number in Yen Bai as a result of flash flooding. Damage from the storm has affected sea dykes, houses, roads and other infrastructure, as well as flooding of large areas of agricultural land.

Summary of INGO Responses to Typhoon Damrey

Joint Assessment Report from the team fielded through the Disaster Management Working Group immediately after the storm, including representatives from MARD/CCFSC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNDP, UNICEF, Oxfam Great Britain and IFRC:

Information from affected provinces and assistance request from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO)

Drought in Ninh Thuan Province

Ethnic Minorities Working Group

In Vietnam, ethnic minority people comprise almost 14% of the population, but account for 29% of the poor. Members of the Ethnic Minorities Working Group (EMWG) share this concern, and meet to exchange ideas and 'lessons learned' about how to improve development policy and practice for the benefit of ethnic minorities.

EMWG seeks to serve the interests of a broad membership, in particular the interests of Vietnamese NGOs. It seeks to involve ethnic minority people as much as possible, and to establish close links with other similar working groups in Vietnam.

EMWG functions under the auspices of the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre, and is managed by a 'core group' of International and Vietnamese NGOs.

The EMWG also maintains a database of agencies working with ethnic minorities in Vietnam. If you wish to join the database, please contact the EMWG at emwg@ngocentre.org.vn

Oxfam Great Britain is currently the focal point for the core group. For more information, contact Ms. Dang Bao Nguyet, e-mail: emwg@ngocentre.org.vn or join up to our mailing list by clicking here.

  • EMWG News & Events
    The updated news related to Ethnic minority situations in Vietnam and EMWG's regular events and activities
  • EMWG General Information
    TOR; Databases of organization working on ethnic minority areas; Key
    Vietnamese government partners on EM; and Recent and on-going
    activities of the EMWG and the relevant organisations.
  • EMWG Task Forces
    Outlines, activities and reports on different aspect of Ethnic minority issues carry out by EMWG's members
  • EMWG Resources
    Reports, studies and other documents related to development among ethnic minorities in Vietnam. These are either available for download from this site or can be accessed through links to other sites.
  • EMWG Photo Bank
    Photos of activities that EMWG's members carry out in their project sites that they would like to share with other organizations who need photoes for publications and advocacy purposes

Further reading

EMWG News & Events

To view events from past years, please use the links at the bottom of this page.

4 March, 2008

EMWG meeting: The seven members of core group will meet to report the results of implementation in 2007; and to prepare annual plan for 2008.

Meeting minutes

 

24 April, 2007

EMWG meeting on: Feedbacks of Australian National University Conference on Ethnic Minorities in Vietnam and current concerns of reseachers on EM issues, presented by Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh from College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University.

19 April, 2007

EMWG meeting on Community Forest Management, facilitated by Helvetas.

Document sharing

  • CFM Technical Guidelines (EN) - Vietnamese version
  • Guilelines for simple silvicultural practices in CFM in Vietnam - Vietnamese version

20 March, 2007

EMWG meeting on: EMWG Action Plan 2007. EMWG shared with members its activities and concept papers in 2007, which were drafted in late January and finalised in February 2007, which include:

7 March, 2007

EMWG meeting on 'I/NGOs' experience on Participatory Infrastructure Management as support to P135 II in terms of PIM'.

8 February, 2007

EMWG meeting on 'The use of local language in ethnic minority communities and Save Children UK’s approaches in bilingual education', facilitated by Save Chidlren UK.

30 January, 2007

EMWG meeting on 'Feedback on Communication Strategy of Program 135 - II - I/NGOs' involvement in P135 - II'.

EMWG Events 2006

28 September, 2006

EMWG meeting on 'The Pu Y Culture - a study by Pu Y people'

  • Overview of Study
  • Potential of using PRA tools for a participatory research on Culture

19 July, 2006

EMWG meeting on: A practical approach towards child-friendly ethnic community

  • Child-friendly ethnic community - an overview
  • Child-friendly school library - an initiative

23 June, 2006

EMWG meeting on: Village Development Planning in ethnic minority villages

25 April, 2006

EMWG meeting on 'Bridging the gaps between local government at commune level ad local population'. Presentations by Helvetas project officers:

7th March, 2006

EMWG Joint-meeting with SANRM on 'Indigenous Seeds: What are the challenges of indigenous seeds when Vietnam accesses into WTO? Are there any measures to protect Indigenous Seeds from bad impacts?'

Presentation by Ms Hoang My Lan from VECO Vietnam focused on Intellectual Property Rights and the relation between IPR with Biodiversity and indigenous/local communities. It also underlined the impacts on small scales farmers/ethnic people when Vietnam accesses into WTO and applies IPR law. The measures to protect indigenous seeds and the farmers' right were also discussed.

Related documents

EMWG Events 2005

25th November, 2005

EMWG Workshop: Grassroots Democracy and Participatory Approaches - Sharing Stories

Presenters: Bui thi Kim, DWC; Graham Adutt, Caritas; John Sawdon, Mekong Economics; Wendy Erd, Independent; and Hoang Nguyen Binh, LERES

30th September, 2005

EMWG Meeting: Grassroots Democracy and Ethnic Minorities

Presentations by Pamela McElwee, Ms. Nguyen Lam Giang of Helvetas, and Mr. Douglas Hainsworth of SNV.

30th August, 2005

EMWG Meeting: MMSEA IV Conference Dissemination Presentation by Ms.Trinh Khanh Chi

10th June, 2005

EMWG meeting: The protection of cultural diversity and cultural industries in the context of WTO accession; refleciton on protection of Ethnic Minority heritage what are the instruments available?

6 -19th May, 2005

IV MMSEA Conference: Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and poverty alleviation in upland mainland South-east Asia

EMWG Events 2004

14th June, 2004

EMWG meeting: 'Training for Women Union staff at Ta Xua commune, Son La province on counseling skills concerning gender-based violence' conducted by CSAGA (Centre for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender - Family - Women - Adolescent)

  • Training report 'Research and initiatives to restore and develop traditional weaving of Pa Then people at My Bac village, Ha Giang province' conducted by CISDOMA (The Consultative Institute for Socio-Economic Development of Rural and Mountainous Areas)

21st May 2004

Preliminary meeting toward Ethnic Minorities Partnership

28th April, 2004

EMWG Photo Bank

Photos of activities that EMWG's members carry out in their project
sites that they would like to share with other organizations
who need photoes for publications and advocacy purposes

EMWG Resources

Ethnic Minority Reports

Catalogue

The documents listed below are of interest to members of EMWG, but EMWG does not guarantee the accuracy of their contents.

Other Resources

EMWG Task Forces

The brieft annual report of the EMWG's task forces in 2007 is now available online. The detailed reports of each task force in 2007, please visit individual task force folder...

Bilingual Education

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Capacity building and networking

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Comunity forestry management

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Cultural Identity and traditional preservation

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Development approach review to work with EM and mechanism to enhance the voice of EM in decision-making process

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Reports

 In December 2007, Oxfam Hong Kong finished the draft report on "Primary analysis on development approaches and seeking different mechanisms to enhance the voice of EM in decision making process". The Vietnamese version of this draft report is now available online and is only for comment and internal use.

EMWG engagement with program 135 phase 2

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Working with the media on EM issues

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General Information

TOR; Databases of organization working on ethnic minority areas; Key
Vietnamese state agencies working/ involving in EM issues; Reports and Recent and on-going
activities of the EMWG and the relevant organisations.

 

 

 

 

EMWG Core Group

Care International
66 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi
84 4 7161 930
carevn@care.org.vn

Caritas Switzerland
Room 120 La Thanh Hotel 218 Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi
84 4 8325 943
www.caritas.ch
carswi@netnam.org.vn

Enfants et Developpement (E&D)
Room 103, B3 Building, Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound
298 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi
84 4 8465 715
www.enfantsetdeveloppement.org
vietnam@enfantsetdeveloppement.org

Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Development (ISEE)
7, Alley 1, Nguyen Tri Phuong
Ba Dinh, Ha Noi
84 4 734 6659
www.isee.org.vn
isee@isee.org.vn

Oxfam Great Britain (OGB)
16 Mai Hac De St. 5-6th floor, Hanoi
049454406
www.oxfamgb.org

Oxfam Hong Kong (OHK)
16 Mai Hac De St. 5-6th floor, Hanoi
84 4 8328 076
www.oxfam.org.hk/english/
oxfamhk@oxfamhk.netnam.vn

Save the Children UK (SCUK)
La Thanh Hotel
218 Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi
84 4 8325 319
www.savethechildren.org.uk
scuk@scuk.org.vn

EMWG TOR

 

April 2007

Overview

In recent years, despite great efforts and determination by the
Government of Vietnam and by international development organisations including
INGOs, the rate of poverty among ethnic minority people in Vietnam remains
high. Further improvement and effort is
needed from all sides and at all levels, to address this issue.

The Ethnic Minorities Working Group in Vietnam (EMWG) includes NGOs and
other development agencies and professionals who share this concern, and who
exchange ideas and 'lessons learned' about how to improve development
policy and practice for the benefit of ethnic minority peoples. The EMWG functions under the auspices of the
VUFO-NGO Resource Centre, in accordance with the Government of Vietnam’s
policies related to ethnic minorities.

Goal

To improve the impact of EMWG members’ work on the livelihoods of ethnic minorities, by increasing collaboration and coordinated efforts among members and other stakeholders.

Objectives

Sharing and Disseminating Informations
EMWG provides a forum for discussion regarding development issues related to ethnic minorities in Vietnam. EMWG disseminates information as widely as possible regarding international conventions on indigenous people, laws, policies, research, documentation of projects, programmes and resources (human, financial, etc.) relating to ethnic minorities.

Improving the Development Practice of Member Organisations
EMWG participants share experience, best practice and lessons learned from the development practice, theories, and approaches both outside and inside Vietnam in order to improve the impact (quality and quantity) of their development interventions.

Policy Dialogue
Sharing experiences and information related to ethnic minorities leads to improved development practices and policies among members and their partner organisations, which creates a venue for dialogue with relevant government, donor institutions, organisations, researchers and ethnic minority people.

Facilitating the voice of ethnic minority people
EMWG facilitates different mechanisms for ethnic people to voice their opinions on the development projects and influencing policies/decision that affect their lives.

Approach

EMWG meets every two months. This bimonthly meeting is the main forum for information sharing and activity planning, which contribute to achieving the Group’s objectives (see above). Additionally, an expert speaker is normally invited to the bimonthly meeting, to contribute to discussion on a topic of current interest to the members.

Between these bimonthly meetings, occasional workshops, discussions and events may be arranged to meet the needs and interests of members, and/or to coincide with new opportunities or ethnic minority development issues.

EMWG seeks to serve the interests of a diverse participation, taking care to include the interests of Vietnamese NGOs. In order to maintain its relevance, EMWG seeks to involve ethnic minority people as much as possible in its activities. In order to promote dialogue and progress, EMWG will seek to develop links with other NGO working groups, Vietnamese government agencies and donor agencies. EMWG welcomes all those who are concerned to reduce poverty among ethnic minorities in Vietnam to attend its meetings.

EMWG is managed by a 'core group' of International NGOs. The Core Group assigns responsibilities to a Secretariat which maintains EMWG on a day-to-day basis.

EMWG encourages development agencies working with ethnic minorities in Vietnam – non-government and government, Vietnamese and international – to inform the EMWG Secretariat of their initiatives and activities. EMWG can share this information with other agencies which have similar interests, thereby increasing the range of opportunities for mutual learning, and improvement of development practice.


The structure of EMWG is described below

Structure

Core Group
EMWG is managed by a core group of six INGOs who are most active within EMWG. From 2002-2004, members of the Core Group are Caritas Switzerland (Chair), Rural Development Services Centre (RDSC), Oxfam GB, Oxfam Hong Kong, and Enfants et Developpement (EED). During 2004-2006, Core Group are Enfants et Developpement (Chair), Save Children UK, Caritas Switzerland, Oxfam GB, Oxfam HK and Helvetas. In 2007, Care International joined the Core as the 7th member. In 2008, Oxfam GB continues to take the lead, and Helvetas will no longer be as a Core member due to their changing in priorities.

The VUFO-NGO Resource Centre Co-Director also often participates in core group meetings. Other NGOs are welcome to participate in Core Group meetings at any time.

The Core Group has the following responsibilities:

  1. To assist in setting the direction of EMWG, including revision of the Terms of Reference, and planning events and activities
  2. To manage and support the ‘Secretariat’ (see below)
  3. To organise EMWG meetings (agree topics and speakers, manage logistics, chairing and minuting) and organise other EMWG events and activities
  4. To manage funds (raising funds for EMWG events/activities, and accounting for income and expenditure)
  5. To ensure that EMWG events/activities continue to provide relevant and effective responses to the needs of EMWG participant organisations and to the needs of ethnic minorities themselves.

Secretariat
The Secretariat provides a focal point for communications between EMWG members, the Core Group, the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre, and the outside world. The Secretariat is established and maintained by the Core Group. It is based now in the INGO Resource Centre. Its role and responsibilities are fully reviewed by the Core Group in November each year.

General responsibilities of the Secretariat are as follows:

  1. Information: to maintain information relevant to EMWG and its participants.
  2. Communication: to reply to correspondence addressed to EMWG; to take a proactive role in corresponding with EMWG participants, the Core Group, the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre and the ‘outside world’ regarding upcoming issues relating to EMWG and its work; and to generally facilitate the transfer of information between interested organisations and individuals.
  3. Coordination: to coordinate some EMWG events/activities as assigned by the Core Group.

Participation

Participation includes those Vietnamese and International NGOs and development organisations with a special interest to improve the livelihoods of ethnic minorities in Vietnam, who agree with the Group’s overall goal and objectives.
The role and responsibilities of participants are as below:
  1. To formulate and approve the goal and objectives of the EMWG
  2. To review the membership of the Core Group on an annual basis
  3. To participate in planning of EMWG events/activities
  4. To propose joint events, activities, and speakers
  5. To participate in meetings
  6. To participate in joint events and activities according to their interest
  7. To support joint events and activities according to their interest and capacity
  8. To communicate their needs and interests to the Core Group
  9. To monitor and evaluate the work & impact of EMWG and the Core Group
In addition to normal NGO participants, other interested organizations and individuals, including donor agencies, government representatives, and researchers, are welcome to join EMWG meetings and other activities.

[1] The VUFO-NGO Resource Centre is a partnership between the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations, and foreign NGOs operating in Vietnam.

Full list of EMWG participants

IIEVN
Institute for International Education, Vietnam

APHEDA
Australian People for Health, Education and Development

COHED
Centre for Community Health and Development

LPRV
Localized Poverty Reduction In Vietnam

HI-ANS
Handicap International-Action Nord-Sud

VNAH
Vietnam Assisstance for the Handicapped

AE
Australian Embassy

DRC
Danish Red Cross

CPSE
Research and Development Centre for Population, Social and Environmental Affairs

SC Sweden
Save the Children Sweden

SCUK
Save the Children UK

MCC
Mennonite Central Committee Institute of Ethnology

PSBI
Pearl S Buck International

CESDER
The Centre for Social Development Research

CARSWI
Caritas Switzerland

JVC
Japan International Volunteer Centre

CECI
Canadian Centre for International Studies and Cooperation

CIDA
The Canadian International Development Agency

Oxfam Q
Oxfam Quebec

Oxfam HK
Oxfam Hong Kong

Oxfam GB
Oxfam Great Britain

AUSAID
Australian Government Overseas Aid

UNODC
UN Office on Drugs and Crime

AVI Forest SCI INST
AVI Forest Science Institute

CWS
Church World Service

WVI
World Vision International

AFSC
American Friends Service Committee

RAFH
The Centre for Reproductive and Family Health

NAV
Nordic Assistance to Vietnam Frontier Frontier Society for Environmental Exploration

CSDM
Centre For Sustainable Development of Mountainous Areas

EED
Enfants et Developpement

SCUSA
Save the Children USA

AAV
Action Aid Vietnam

HEDO
Highland Education, Scietific, and Health Development Organization

Helvetas
Helvetas-Swiss Association for International Cooperation

DoW
Doctors of the World

VNFU
Vietnam Farmer's Union

CGFED
The Centre for Gender, Family, and Environment in Development

CEPHAD
Centre for Public Health and Development IFAD International Fund for Agriculture Development

CARE
CARE International

Craftlink

VSF
Veterinaires sans Frontieres

MCNV
Medische Commite Nederland-Vietnam

CESEMA
German and Brasilian Environmental Consultation

BFDW
Bread for the World

DFID
Department for International Development Sourires D'Enfannts

CSAGA
The Centre for Studies and Applied Sciences in G,F,W,A

FFI
Fauna and Flora International

TEW
Towards Ethnic Women

KFW
German Development Bank

UNDP
United Nations Development Program

FRC
French Red Cross

PED
Population, Environment and Development

SNV
Netherland Development Organization Canadian Coop Canadia Cooperation Office

ACEP
Advancement of Community Empowerment and Partnership

Key Agencies Working in Ethnic Minority Issues


For the full list of participating agencies working with ethnic minorities, click here.

 

National Assembly:


National Assembly Council of Ethnic Minorities
No. 35 Ngo Quyen
Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: 84 8 04 6120

http://www.na.gov.vn/htx/Vietnamese/C1333/?cateid=1414


Government Agencies:

1. Committee for Ethnic Minorities Affairs
No. 80, Phan Dinh Phung, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi
Tel: 84. 4.843 1876 /080 42572

http://www.cema.gov.vn

The Committee for Ethnic Minorities Affairs (Committee for Nationalities) is a ministerial-level agency of the Government, which functions to perform the State management over the ethnic work throughout the country; the State management over public services and acts as representative of the owner of State capital portions at State-invested enterprises under its management as prescribed by law...

2. Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA)
Department of Social Protection
No. 35, Tran Phu, Ha Noi
Tel: 84. 4. 9362926

http://www.molisa.gov.vn/English.asp

The Department of Social Protection is under the management of the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs. Its functions are to assist the Minister in performing the state management related to war veteran, war- invalids and elders issues; to provide social protection for targeted citizen; and to implement poverty reduction program throughout the country as prescribed by law...

3. Ministry of Education and Training (MOET)
Department of Education for Ethnic Minorities
No. 49 Dai Co Viet, Ha Ba Trung, Ha Noi
Tel: 84. 4. 869-5712
E-mail: vugddt@moet.edu.vn; vugddt@moet.gov.vn
http://www.moet.gov.vn

The Department of Education for Ethnic Minorities is under the management of the Ministry of Education and Training. It functions to assist the Minister in performing the State management on education for ethnic minorities...

4. Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development (MARD)
No. 2 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Tel: 84. 4 8235804

http://xttm.agroviet.gov.vn

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is a governmental agency performing state management functions in the fields of agriculture, forestry, salt production, irrigation / water services and rural development nationwide, including state management functions with regard to delivery of public service and management of the State’s ownership of rural state owned enterprises in accordance with legal documents.

5. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
83 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Ha Noi
Tel: 7732 731
Fax: 8359 221
www.monre.gov.vn

6. Ministry of Planning and Investment
2 Hoang Van Thu, Hanoi
Tel: 8455 298
Fax: 8234 453
www.mpi.gov.vn

7. Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT)
80 Quan su, HaNoi
Tel: 9421 061/9421 062
Fax:9424 115
www.vietnamtourism.gov.vn

Mass organizations:

1. Vietnam Fatherland Front
Advisory Council on Ethnic Minorities
46 Tràng Thi - Hà N?i
Email:
mttqvn@mattran.org.vn
http://www.mattran.org.vn

2. Vietnam Women' Union
No. 39 Hang Chuoi, Ha Noi
Tel: 84.4. 9713436
Fax: 84. 4. 9713143
http://www.hoilhpn.org.vn

Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) is an unique organization of women at all strata throughout the country. It is a member of the Vietnam Fatherland’s Front, the Women’s International Democratic Federation and ASEAN Confederation of Women’s Organization. VWU is mandated to strive for the equality and advancement of all women, protect and promote legitimate rights and interests of women.

3. Vietnam Farmers Union
Bureau of Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas
No. 103 Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi
Tel: 84. 4. 8456137/04.7338974
Email: website@hoinongdan.org.vn

http://www.hoinongdan.org.vn

Vietnamese institutes, research bodies & other organisations:

1. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Nguyen Van Huyen Road, Cau Giay Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone : (+84-4) 7562193 - Fax: (+84-4) 8360351
www.vme.org.vn

2. Rural Development Services Centre
218 Doi Can Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone: (+84 4) 832 77 63/762 531 41
Email: rdsc@netnam.org.vn

3. Sustainable Upland Resource Management and Development Network (SURDM)
19 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem, Han Noi
Telephone: (+84 4) 933 26 29
Email: surdmvn@hn.vnn.vn

4. Decentralization of Land Use and Minority Existence (DOLAME)
SPERI
A4 Pham Huy Thong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Tel: (+84 4) 7717367
Fax: (+84 4) 7715691
Email: dolame@speri.org
http://www.dolame.org/

5. Vietnam Upland Forum (VUF)
Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry
102 Phung Hung Str, Hue, Vietnam
Tel: 84 (054) 538405; 525049
Email: Levanan-huaf@dng.vnn.vn
www.vuf.org.vn

6. Centre for Agricultural Research and Ecological Studies (CARES)
Hanoi Agricultural University
Trau Quy, Gia Lam, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: 84-4-8765607 Fax: 84-4-8766642
Email: cares@hn.vnn.vn
http://www.cares.org.vn/

 

Government Policies Related to Ethnic Minorities


  • Decision No. 69/2008/Q?-TTg dated
    28/5/2008 on the approval and suplementing the poorest communes,
    communes at the border, communes in the military bases into the list of
    communes receive investment of program 135 phase II (Vietnamese version)
  • Decison No. 04/2008/Q?-UBDT
    dated 08/8/2008 issued by the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs on
    promulgation of the regulations on reporting mechanisms for social
    economic development program for poor mountainous and ethnic minority
    communes 2006-2010 (Vietnamese version)


Useful Links

Donors & other international organisations


VUFO-NGO Resource Centre
La Thanh hotel, 218 Doi Can, Hanoi
Tel. +84 (0)4 832 8570
Fax. +84 (0)4 832 8611
info@ngocentre.org.vn
www.ngocentre.org.vn

UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
United Nations, 2 UN Plaza Room DC2-1772 New York, NY, 10017
Tel: 1 917 367 5100
Fax: 1 917 367 5102
Email: indigenouspermanentforum@un.org
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/

IKAP: Indigenous Knowledge and People Network
C/o; IMPECT Association , 252 Moo 2, T.Sansainoi, A.Sansai, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50210
Tel; +66 (0)53 398591, 492544 Fax: +66 (0)53 398592
www.ikap-mmsea.com

The Regional Network for Indigenous Peoples in Southeast Asia (RNIP)
 http://www.rnip.org/

Sustainable Rural Livelihoods in Asia and the Pacific
http://www.unescap.org/rural/

International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA)
http://www.iwgia.org/

Information Sharing Forum on Indigenous Knowledge http://www.developmentgateway.org/ik

Rural Poverty Portal/Indigenous Peoples http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/english/topics/indigenous/index.htm
For resources on Indigenous People: http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/english/topics/indigenous/resources.htm

Eye Care Working Group


Overview
The Eye Care Group was established in line with the Vision 2020 to support national efforts to achieve the goal of eliminating avoidable blindness in Vietnam. After several informal meetings among some eye care-related NGOs, the idea of having af working group was raised.

Many eye care-related NGOs have already played a significant role in developing eye care services in Vietnam, and some of them have established permanent offices in Vietnam.

The Eye Care Group is open for members of all eye care-related NGOs operating in Vietnam. The founding members are ORBIS, FHF (Fred Hollows Foundation), HKI (Helen Keller International), CBM, ITI (International Trachoma Initiative) and Mekong Eye Doctors. Atlantic Philantropies has also joined the group as a new member.

The term eye care relates to all aspects of activities related to vision care, promotion of eye health, prevention of eye diseases, treatment and rehabilitation, including education of the visually impaired.

Key objectives

Update on key activities during 2007


Main themes during 2007

Future meetings

Thematic meetings organised by Eye Care Working Group in 2007


Eye Care WG meeting - 27 September 2007
Meeting to share information on eye care projects and discuss ways to
push forward the process of establishing a national steering committee.

Eye Care WG meeting – 31 October 2007
Briefing meeting with VNIO on progress of the national survey on the status of blindness in Vietnam

Future directions for 2008

HIV/AIDS Technical Working Group

The HIV/AIDS Technical Working Group brings together participants from international NGOs, as well as staff from bilateral donors, foundations, the UN family, and Vietnamese Government and non-government organisations, who share resources and experiences and engage in planning and form partnerships for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy.

The working group meets every two month. Facilitation is conducted by representatives from international organisations and rotates every three meetings or every six months. In addition to the partnerships between group members, partnerships with government also occur at the national and provincial level through individual organisational collaboration.

Information on upcoming meetings of the HIV/AIDS Technical Working Group will be posted on the Calendar. Detailed information on Working Group meeting minutes, individual contact information and sub-group activities can be found on the UN AIDS website at: http://www.unaids.org.vn/othersupport/twg/twg.htm

Report on HIV/AIDS prevention and control in Vietnam - this is verbal update from Mid term meeting of Consultative Group 2007

For more information, contact the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre. To view a full list of NGO RC Working Groups and sign up to a group, click here.

Ho Chi Minh City INGO Discussion Group

Overview

For the past four years, the HCM City INGO Discussion Group (formerly the INGO Child Discussion Group) has been meeting on a regular quarterly basis. Meetings are held at the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) and bring together representatives and staff from foreign non-governmental organisations that have an office and are operating in Ho Chi Minh City or in the southern provinces. Occasionally, they are joined by speakers and guests from government agencies, donors and partner organisations.

A core group of six INGO representatives is responsible for organising meetings and other activities. Participation in the core team depends on willingness to stand for at least one year and to contribute actively to the planning of the activities of the HCM City INGO Discussion Group.

Currently, and for the year 2008, the core group is composed of representatives of the following six INGOs: Education for Development; Loreto Viet Nam – Australia Program; Norwegian Mission Alliance; Saigon Children Charity; Terre des hommes Foundation – Lausanne; and Vietnam Plus. Tdh Foundation is currently the coordinating agency.

Key objectives
The HCM City INGO Discussion Group provides a forum for the sharing of information, knowledge and experience. Its aim is to act as an entry point for more concrete forms of coordination or collaboration in areas such as research, training, as well as advocacy and policy dialogue.

To sign up to the HCM City INGO Discussion Group, please click here.

Update on key activities during 2007

Future directions for 2008

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Establishment of Thematic Working Group in Ho Chi Minh City


Please click here for more information on establishment of thematic working groups in Ho Chi Minh city

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact details

Coordinating Agency
Terre des hommes Foundation - Lausanne
Margrit Schlosser, Delegate in Vietnam
9/2 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel.: (0084 8) 842 27 73
Fax: (0084 8) 846 28 91
E-mail office: tdhlau@hcm.fpt.vn
E-mail personal: margrit-tdhvn@vnn.vn

Information and Communications Technology for Development Working Group

The aim of the working group will be to help NGOs enhance their use of ICT to improve the quality of their development work in Vietnam. Through advising, training, sharing resources and inviting special expert guest speakers, the ICT4DEV seeks to maximise productivity and communications in the development community in Vietnam by helping NGOs to fully harness the power of ICT in their development activities.

Proposed terms of reference

 

Please visit the ICT4DEV website

For more information Please contact Paul Griffiths sysadmin@ngocentre.org.vn or join our mailing list here.

Landmines Working Group

Organised in 1995, following the "International NGO Conference to Ban Landmines" in Phnom Penh, the Landmines Working Group (LWG) meets on a quarterly basis to share information and project activities that address the economic and social impact of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Viet Nam.

The LWG discusses programmes undertaken by INGOs to help mitigate the problem and consider proposals for further actions. Participating organisations have funded research and reports, sponsored Vietnamese representatives at regional and international conferences, supported mine action activities (demining and UXO clearance, mine awareness, survey and survivor assistance), and are involved in follow-up development projects in areas cleared of ordnance.

Discussions have been held with Vietnamese ministries and agencies in an effort to improve understanding of the issue and develop a more comprehensive and effective national policy to coordinate mine action activities and to address the negative impacts of landmine and UXO contamination in Vietnam. For further information, please read What is Mine Action?.

Information on upcoming meetings of the LWG will be posted on the Calendar or you can join our mailing list.

For more information, contact the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF),Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation
20 Ha Hoi, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Tel: 04 - 733 9444Fax: 04 - 733 9445
Email: vvafvietnam@vi.org
http://www.veteransforamerica.org/ or Ms. Nguyen Thu Ha VVAF at nguyenha@vi.org.

What is Mine Action?

Mine action includes any activity which aims to reduce the social, economic and environmental impact of mines and UXO. Mine action is not just about demining; it is also about people and societies, and how they are affected by landmine contamination.

The objective of mine action is to reduce the risk from landmines to a level where people can live safely; in which economic, social and health development can occur free from the constraints imposed by landmine contamination; and in which the victims’ needs can be addressed.

Accordingly, mine action comprises five complementary groups of activities:

  1. mine risk education;
  2. humanitarian demining, i.e. mine and UXO surveying, mapping, marking and (if necessary) clearance;
  3. victim assistance, including rehabilitation and reintegration;
  4. stockpile destruction; and
  5. advocacy against the use of anti-personnel mines.

A number of other enabling activities are required to support these five components of mine action, including assessment and planning, the mobilisation and prioritisation of resources, information management, human skills development and management training, quality management and the application of effective, appropriate and safe equipment.

Source://gichd.org

Landmine/UXO contamination in Vietnam


More than 30 years after the war ended, Vietnam is still contaminated with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of landmines and UXOs scattered all over the country's 64 provinces, with particular concentrations in the central provinces and in certain border areas. These dangerous war legacies contaminate every category of topography: forests, mountains, pastures, cultivated land, lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal settings.

It is estimated that UXO of various types make up 97 per cent and landmines 3 per cent of the current contamination, and only 20-25 per cent of explosives left by the war have been cleared up to year 2006, accounting for 9-12 per cent of Vietnam's contaminated land area.

Contamination lies on the surface in some areas, but considerable quantities also remain below the surface, generally at depths ranging from between zero and five metres, while some heavy ordnance has been found at depths in the 10-to-20-metre range.

For more information, please see the LWG Resources & Links page.

LWG Terms of Reference


The Landmine Working Group (LWG) of Vietnam was founded in 1995 in order to provide a forum for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) and other stakeholders in mine action to come together to share their experiences, present relevant research findings, and discuss possible points for future collaboration.

The LWG currently consists of a range of active member organisations that are engaged or associated with mine action activities such as clearance and surveying, survivor assistance and rehabilitation, mine risk education, and other integrated development programmes, including resettlement initiatives.

The LWG is organised under the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre and is dedicated to promoting collaboration amongst INGOs and other stakeholders active in the various fields of mine action within and outside of Vietnam. it strives to meet the following key objectives:

  • Give organisations working in the field of mine action a recognised representative forum, in which organisations who specialise in clearance meet those who specialise in education, livelihoods, survivor assistance and so forth with a common voice to exchange information and experiences, discuss programme issues, and seek assistance to raise the profile of mine action in Vietnam to national and international stakeholders, including INGOs, donors and embassies, partners, mass organisations and relevant Vietnamese authorities.
  • Facilitate frequent communication among mine action organisations to promote understanding, seek opportunities of cooperation, and support the common efforts of group members in program activities.
  • Disseminate mine action information, documents, reports etc. amongst member organisations through individual and common activities, including LWG quarterly meetings, e-mail exchanges, the LWG web-site, and other activities etc.
  • Collaborate and share experiences, technical expertise and lessons learnt amongst LWG members.
  • Promote events such as dedication ceremonies, meetings, seminars, and training workshops amongst LWG members and others, where appropriate.
  • Serve as a point of reference for interested parties seeking information and advice on mine action programs and activities in Vietnam.

 

 

LWG Members & Activities

The LWG is coordinated by a voluntary chair, which is currently the Vietnam Veteran’s of America Foundation (VVAF), who was elected by the participating organisations during the June 2002 LWG meeting.

With a view to promote a more flexible role among the working group in facilitating common activities of the group such as the LWG quarterly meetings, since 2006, the group have decided to apply rotating chairs among the group members, regularly shifting the LWG quarterly meetings between Hanoi and provinces where mine action activities take place. Added field activities are also being conducted in supplement to the agenda discussed during the periodical meetings. At this stage, VVAF will remain the contact point and overall coordinator of the group.

Members
The LWG currently consists of the following active member organisations engaged or associated with mine action activities such as clearance and surveying, survivor assistance and rehabilitation, mine risk education, and other integrated development programs including resettlement initiatives.