VIENTIANE, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Lao children at risk and persons with disabilities will benefit from the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development -- "Strengthening Social Protection on Vulnerable Children" being held in capital Vientiane.
Lao Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Khampheng Saysompheng confirmed the details during a press conference on Tuesday with the event to run from the coming Monday to Friday next week.
"This meeting has an important role to play for Lao children because the nation will receive support from ASEAN on human rights and protecting the rights and benefits of Laos' vulnerable peoples," local daily Vientiane Times on Wednesday quoted the minister as saying.
"There are children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable and marginalized groups who still face injustice in some areas of the country," Khampheng said.
The minister said Laos and ASEAN have persistently affirmed their commitment to uplift the quality of life and raise the standard of living of socially vulnerable groups. Such a commitment is reflected in ASEAN's cooperation.
The ASEAN human rights declaration, in its general principles, states that the rights of children, elderly and the disabled are an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The ASEAN Community Vision 2025 envisions "an inclusive community that promotes a high quality of life, equitable access to opportunities for all and promotes and protects the rights of children, older persons, and persons with disabilities."
The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community 2025 has identified strategic measures that seek to reduce barriers faced by those group of people, ensuring equitable access for all.
