In recent months, legal aid activities in Vietnam’s provinces have seen a remarkable surge, both in the number of cases handled and the breadth of support reaching vulnerable communities. Across regions like Khanh Hoa and Phu Tho, local authorities, legal professionals, and community leaders are banding together to ensure that even the most marginalized citizens can access justice and understand their rights.
According to the State Legal Aid Center of Khanh Hoa province, the first nine months of 2025 saw a significant uptick in legal aid delivery. The Center provided assistance in 903 cases—a striking 34.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024, as reported by CAND on October 12, 2025. Of these, 898 cases involved participation in prosecution, while five cases were represented outside of prosecution. The numbers reflect not just a statistical leap, but a deepening commitment to legal support for those who need it most.
Who are the people behind these numbers? The beneficiaries paint a diverse picture: 5 individuals with meritorious services to the revolution, 7 from poor households, 47 children, 143 ethnic minorities living in socio-economically challenging regions, 242 young people aged 16 to under 18 accused of crimes, 5 accused from near-poor households, 8 elderly people facing financial hardship, 17 people with disabilities in financial difficulty, and 2 young victims of criminal cases. The largest group, making up over half of the cases, were minors accused of crimes—a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young people in the justice system.
Behind these efforts lies a blend of strategic planning and heartfelt dedication. The Center combined a variety of solutions and invested considerable effort to ensure that each case received the highest possible quality of service. The underlying goal? To protect the legitimate rights and interests of every person seeking help, regardless of their background or circumstances.
But legal aid isn’t just about statistics and courtroom advocacy. It’s also about education, empowerment, and building bridges between citizens and the law. That spirit was on full display in Phu Tho province, where a vibrant legal aid training program unfolded on October 12, 2025. Organized under the 2025 legal aid work plan by the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education and Legal Aid (Ministry of Justice), the event aimed to equip village elders, community leaders, and grassroots officials with the knowledge and skills to guide their communities through legal challenges.
Mr. Luu Van Truong, Vice Chairman of Thung Nai commune, captured the mood in his opening remarks. "When people understand and trust legal aid policies, they’ll confidently seek advice and protect their lawful rights. That’s how the law becomes a natural and lasting part of daily life," he stated. The training, hosted in Thung Nai, drew a diverse crowd: delegates from hamlets like Bac Son, Tieng, Chieng, Mo, Dai, and De, including village heads, association officials, and respected community members. These are the people who, day in and day out, listen to their neighbors’ concerns and stand ready to help.
Leading the training was Mr. Bui Quang Ngoc, Deputy Director of State Legal Aid Center No. 03 in Phu Tho. With years of frontline experience, Mr. Ngoc delivered practical content on who qualifies for legal aid, the various forms of support available, and the procedures for accessing help. He peppered his presentation with relatable, real-world examples, making the information easy to grasp and remember. According to Nguoi Dua Tin, participants found the session lively and engaging, as they discussed real-life challenges and shared their own stories of helping villagers navigate legal hurdles.
The atmosphere was open and friendly—more like a community gathering than a formal seminar. As delegates traded anecdotes and advice, they became, in the words of one observer, "trustworthy bridges between the government and the people." The hope, echoed by many attendees, was for more specialized training sessions in the future, especially on topics like land law, ethnic minority policies, and social welfare—issues that directly impact the daily lives of people in mountainous and rural areas.
Mr. Truong, reflecting on the event, reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with the State Legal Aid Center. "We’ll continue to closely coordinate and regularly spread the word so that people know, trust, and proactively seek legal aid when needed," he said, as reported by Nhan Dan. The message was clear: building legal literacy at the grassroots level is not a one-off effort, but a sustained, community-wide movement.
For many, these training sessions are more than just a learning opportunity—they’re a chance to strengthen the bonds of trust and solidarity that hold communities together. As officials and elders gain confidence in their understanding of legal procedures, they can better guide their neighbors through the sometimes daunting process of seeking help. And as more villagers become aware of their rights, the hope is that legal aid will become not just a last resort, but a familiar and accessible resource for all.
The impact of these efforts is already being felt. Legal knowledge is spreading from grassroots officials to villagers, fostering a culture where people know where to turn when they face legal difficulties. As one participant put it, "This is the foundation for building a civilized, fair, and humane community." The training sessions aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re about changing lives, one conversation at a time.
It’s worth noting that the push for legal aid and education isn’t happening in isolation. These initiatives are part of broader national programs aimed at strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that no one is left behind. The State Legal Aid Center’s rising case numbers and the enthusiastic participation in training events both point to a growing awareness of legal rights and a collective determination to make justice accessible to all.
As Vietnam continues to modernize and face new social challenges, the importance of accessible, high-quality legal aid cannot be overstated. Whether it’s a teenager facing prosecution, an elderly person struggling with financial hardship, or an ethnic minority family navigating complex land laws, the need for trustworthy, effective support is universal. The recent successes in Khanh Hoa and Phu Tho serve as a testament to what can be achieved when communities, officials, and legal professionals work hand in hand.
With each case handled and every training session held, the fabric of justice in Vietnam grows stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient—offering hope and protection to those who need it most.
