On October 17, 2025, a significant step was taken in Muong Thang commune, Phu Tho province, as the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education and Legal Aid under the Ministry of Justice joined forces with the State Legal Aid Center No. 3 of Phu Tho province and the People's Committee of Muong Thang commune. Together, they organized a training conference designed to raise awareness about legal aid, especially targeting ethnic minority and mountainous communities who often face unique challenges in accessing legal resources.
The event drew a diverse crowd. Attendees included officials from local community organizations, such as the Veterans Association, Women's Union, Elderly Association, and Youth Union, as well as heads of hamlets, respected community figures, civil servants, and laborers from the Muong Thang commune People's Committee. Most notably, a large number of ethnic minority residents—chiefly from the Muong group—participated, reflecting the commune’s demographic makeup: ethnic Muong people make up a striking 88.1% of the population, making Muong Thang one of the four regions with a significant Muong presence in what was formerly Hoa Binh province.
Muong Thang commune itself is a relatively new administrative unit, having been established by merging four former communes: Thach Yen, Dung Phong, Nam Phong, and Tay Phong. This recent consolidation brought together a wide range of residents under a single administrative umbrella, making the need for clear, accessible legal information even more pressing. According to the Ministry of Justice, the training conference aimed to equip both ethnic minority residents and local officials with crucial knowledge about legal aid. The ultimate goal? To bring legal aid activities closer to the people, helping everyone—especially those eligible for legal support—understand their rights and available benefits.
Ms. Le Thi Thuy, Director of the Legal Information and Support Center at the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education and Legal Aid, played a central role at the conference as the lead presenter. She focused on the nuts and bolts of legal aid policies, outlining who qualifies for free legal aid, how to request assistance, which areas of law are covered, and the various ways to contact organizations that provide these services. She also explained how to reach out to the Department itself for further support. Her presentation didn’t stop at theory—she brought the discussion to life by describing common legal situations faced by local residents and demonstrating how these could be resolved under current laws. To make things even more relatable, Ms. Thuy shared videos previously broadcast on mass media about legal aid, ensuring the information was both accessible and engaging.
The conference was far from a one-way street. Participants were encouraged to raise their own concerns and share the legal challenges they encounter in daily life. Many voiced questions about the sometimes confusing procedures for obtaining legal aid and debated who exactly qualifies for such support. This open exchange allowed for real-time clarification and guidance, making the training feel less like a lecture and more like a genuine conversation between officials and the community they serve.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the conference succeeded on multiple fronts. Not only did it improve the legal knowledge of community leaders, officials, and other key individuals, but it also strengthened their ability to act as bridges between the law and the people. These leaders—many of whom are trusted figures in the community—are now better equipped to explain legal aid policies and procedures to others, especially to vulnerable groups such as ethnic minorities, the poor, and those who have contributed to the revolution.
But why is this so important? For many ethnic minorities and residents in mountainous regions, legal aid can feel distant or even out of reach. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with legal processes, and a lack of trust in institutions often prevent people from seeking help when they need it most. By organizing targeted training sessions like this, the government is not only making legal aid more accessible but also fostering a sense of inclusion and empowerment. As one local official put it during the event, "When people know their rights and how to access help, they can better protect themselves and their families."
The conference’s impact extended beyond the immediate participants. By enhancing the capacity of community officials and respected individuals, the event created a ripple effect, with newly trained leaders poised to share their knowledge more widely. This aligns with the broader objectives of the national target program on socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, which seeks not just to improve livelihoods, but also to ensure equal access to justice and the protection of legal rights for all citizens.
One of the most practical aspects of the training was its focus on real-life situations. Instead of abstract legal theories, attendees were presented with scenarios they might actually face—such as land disputes, inheritance issues, or questions about social welfare benefits. By working through these examples step by step, participants gained a clearer understanding of how the law applies to their daily lives and how legal aid can make a tangible difference.
Importantly, the event also highlighted the deep humanistic spirit underpinning Vietnam’s legal aid policies. By ensuring that legal aid is free and readily available to those who need it—regardless of background or income—the government is sending a strong message about the value of equal justice and the importance of protecting human rights. As Ms. Thuy emphasized in her presentation, "Legal aid is not just about solving problems; it’s about ensuring everyone has a fair chance to stand before the law."
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn directly from legal experts and to have their questions answered on the spot. Community leaders, in particular, noted that the training would help them better serve their neighbors, acting as trusted sources of information and support. "Now we know exactly how to guide people when they have legal troubles," said one village head. "This knowledge is power for our community."
Looking ahead, officials from the Ministry of Justice and local authorities plan to hold similar training sessions in other regions, building on the success of the Muong Thang conference. The hope is that, over time, every commune—no matter how remote—will have the resources and knowledge needed to ensure that legal aid is not just a policy on paper, but a living reality for all.
In Muong Thang, the seeds have been sown for a more informed and empowered community, where legal rights are not just understood, but actively protected. It’s a small but significant step toward a future where justice is truly within reach for everyone.