In a significant push to improve legal access and awareness at the community level, Can Tho city has recently hosted a series of training conferences aimed at equipping grassroots officials and respected community figures with vital knowledge about legal aid. These events, held on August 12 and 13, 2025, reflect a nationwide effort to strengthen the capacity of local actors in providing free legal assistance, especially for vulnerable populations.
According to reports from Nhan Dan and official releases by the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education, and Legal Aid, the conferences were organized in the wake of major administrative reforms. Can Tho and numerous other localities across Vietnam have just completed the implementation of a two-level local government model—comprising city and commune or ward levels—and undertaken the merger of several commune and ward administrative units. These changes aim to streamline state management and enhance the effectiveness of local governance.
The August 12 conference, spearheaded by the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education, and Legal Aid, drew nearly 450 delegates from My Huong commune, Phu Loi ward, Soc Trang ward, and My Xuyen ward. The participants represented a broad spectrum of the community: reputable persons, mediators, and leaders from mass organizations such as the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Youth Union, the Women’s Union, the Farmers’ Association, and the Veterans’ Association. The following day, two additional training sessions were held for officials and trusted individuals from An Ninh, Thuan Hoa, Phu Tam, and Ho Dac Kien communes.
These gatherings were more than routine administrative exercises. They were designed to address a critical need—enhancing the ability of local officials and community leaders to help citizens, especially those facing legal disputes or difficulties, access and use free legal aid services. The events were part of the 2025 legal aid work plan, which places a strong emphasis on building capacity at the grassroots level.
During the conferences, expert speakers and legal reporters provided detailed guidance on the key contents of the 2017 Legal Aid Law and its related documents. Attendees learned about the fundamental rights and obligations of legal aid beneficiaries, the responsibilities of organizations and individuals providing legal aid, and the procedures for requesting legal assistance. According to the Department’s official summary, the training also covered the practical skills needed to identify and support those eligible for free legal aid, and how to serve as effective bridges between the legal system and the community.
Participants didn’t just listen passively. The atmosphere was described as lively and open, with delegates actively sharing experiences, raising questions, and discussing real-life scenarios. Many of these situations revolved around common legal issues encountered at the grassroots level—family and marriage disputes, land conflicts, household registration, civil matters, and even criminal cases. These discussions allowed for the exchange of practical solutions and the development of a more nuanced understanding of how legal aid can be delivered effectively on the ground.
One notable aspect of the conferences was the provision of direct contact information for legal aid services. Delegates were given the national legal aid hotline (024.6273.9631) and the address of the Vietnam Legal Aid Information Website (http://tgpl.moj.gov.vn), ensuring that both officials and citizens know exactly where to turn when legal help is needed.
According to Nhan Dan, the training sessions also included an important dialogue on the current legal framework. Participants exchanged views on the 2017 Legal Aid Law, offering suggestions for amendments and improvements. Some proposed expanding legal aid eligibility to include near-poor households and removing restrictions that end legal aid when the beneficiary passes away. These recommendations were recorded by the event’s presenters and will be considered in the process of drafting amendments to the Legal Aid Law, which are expected to be submitted to the National Assembly in 2026.
The impact of these conferences goes beyond the immediate transfer of knowledge. By training grassroots officials and reputable community members, the program aims to foster a culture of legal awareness and respect for the law. As one delegate put it, "We will continue to promote our role in propagating and supporting people to access free legal aid services locally and hope that there will be more in-depth and practical training activities in the future to support legal work at the grassroots level more effectively." This sentiment, reported by the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education, and Legal Aid, underscores the commitment of local actors to spreading legal awareness and helping citizens protect their legitimate rights.
These efforts are particularly crucial for marginalized groups—ethnic minorities, the poor, and the socially disadvantaged—who often face barriers in accessing justice. By equipping local leaders with the necessary legal knowledge and practical skills, the program ensures that these vulnerable populations are not left behind. The events embody the spirit of "No one left behind," a principle now deeply embedded in Vietnam’s approach to legal aid and social justice.
The conferences also responded to the evolving needs of local governance. With the recent administrative mergers and the establishment of the two-level local government model, there are new challenges and opportunities for delivering public services, including legal aid. The training helped clarify the roles and responsibilities of grassroots officials in this new context, emphasizing their function as the first point of contact for citizens seeking legal help.
Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed their appreciation for the practical content and interactive format of the training. They also voiced a desire for more specialized and frequent sessions, particularly on complex issues like land law and legal communication strategies within community organizations. Such requests highlight the ongoing need for continuous professional development among those tasked with supporting legal access at the local level.
Ultimately, these conferences represent a proactive step toward building a more just and equitable society. By investing in the legal knowledge and capacity of grassroots actors, Can Tho and its partners are helping to ensure that every citizen—regardless of their background or circumstances—can understand, exercise, and defend their legal rights. The ripple effects of such initiatives may be felt for years to come, as empowered officials and community leaders continue to serve as vital conduits between the law and the people.
As Vietnam prepares to revise its legal aid framework in 2026, the experiences and insights gathered from these community-level trainings will no doubt play a pivotal role in shaping a more responsive and inclusive legal aid system—one that truly leaves no one behind.
