On August 21 and 22, 2025, a series of landmark events unfolded in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam, shining a spotlight on the nation’s ongoing commitment to legal education and the advancement of free legal aid for its citizens. These events, orchestrated by the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education and Legal Aid under the Ministry of Justice, brought together officials, legal professionals, and community leaders in a concerted effort to strengthen the rule of law and ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing justice.
The first of these events was a set of comprehensive training conferences held across four communes: Binh An, Nam Ly, Gia Tuong, and Khanh Hoi. According to Phap Luat Viet Nam, the gatherings drew a diverse crowd—village officials, association representatives from organizations like the Fatherland Front, Youth Union, Women's Union, Farmers' Association, Veterans' Association, and respected members of the local communities. The aim? To equip these grassroots leaders with essential legal knowledge, focusing particularly on legal aid services and their critical role in safeguarding the rights and interests of the most vulnerable members of society.
At Binh An commune, Le Thi Thu Ha, Chief of the Office of the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education and Legal Aid, took the stage to deliver foundational insights. She emphasized the importance of proactive cooperation between local organizations and the provincial Legal Aid Center, stating that this collaboration is "the bridge that enables timely detection of cases in need of legal assistance, ensuring that everyone eligible can access these services promptly and in accordance with regulations." Her message resonated with the attendees, many of whom serve as the first point of contact for citizens facing legal hurdles.
Meanwhile, in Nam Ly commune, Nguyen Van Tinh, Director of the Provincial Legal Aid Center, provided a detailed overview of legal aid itself—its definition, significance, and the range of beneficiaries. He highlighted that legal aid targets groups such as the poor, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, children, the elderly, those who contributed to revolutionary efforts, victims of domestic violence, and other special cases. Legal aid, he explained, encompasses services like legal consultation, participation in legal proceedings to defend or protect rights, representation outside of court, and assistance with legal procedures. These services, he stressed, are always delivered free of charge, maintaining transparency and upholding the legitimate rights of the people.
To make these concepts more accessible, Nguyen Van Tinh interwove real-life stories and concrete outcomes from legal aid cases, making the sessions not just educational but also engaging. Attendees also received practical information, including contact details for the Provincial Legal Aid Center and its local branches, as well as the hotline for requests—ensuring that help is never far away for those in need.
In Gia Tuong and Khanh Hoi, the focus shifted to a more interactive format. Dr. Nguyen Dac Tuan, a senior lecturer in Criminal Law at Hanoi Law University, and lawyer Tran Thi Tram, Director of LEVINA Law Company, presented on core legal aid concepts and addressed practical scenarios that often arise in real life. They guided participants through the process of identifying legal challenges and seeking solutions, all the while reiterating the crucial point: "Legal aid services are completely free." This assurance, simple as it sounds, is a lifeline for many who might otherwise forgo their rights due to financial barriers.
Throughout these sessions, the energy in the room was palpable. Delegates didn’t just listen—they actively engaged, asking questions, sharing experiences, and discussing the best ways to serve their communities. According to Phap Luat Viet Nam, this dynamic exchange not only boosted participants’ legal knowledge but also honed their counseling and communication skills. The ultimate goal is to bring legal aid closer to the people, particularly those who are poor, have contributed to national causes, or find themselves in vulnerable situations.
These training conferences came at a pivotal time, as Ninh Binh province recently completed the implementation of a two-level local government structure. The trainings were deemed essential to fill gaps in legal understanding, raise awareness, and enhance the skills of grassroots officials. As a result, the quality of legal aid services is expected to improve, reinforcing social welfare policies and ensuring that the law truly serves the people.
But the week’s focus on legal aid didn’t end there. On August 22, a special meeting brought together former and current leaders of the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education and Legal Aid. The event, reported by Dan Chu Phap Luat, was both warm and solemn—a rare opportunity for multiple generations of officials to reflect on their shared mission and the progress achieved over the years.
Le Ve Quoc, the Department’s Director, captured the mood perfectly in his opening remarks. He expressed deep gratitude to his predecessors, stating, "Today’s achievements would not have been possible without the dedication, intelligence, and tireless contributions of those who came before us." He went on to highlight the department’s recent accomplishments since the unification of legal dissemination, education, and legal aid functions into a single, streamlined unit. This restructuring, he explained, has not only increased operational efficiency but also fostered a closer connection between legal education and legal aid—two fields that, when combined, form a powerful engine for justice and social equity.
One of the department’s notable achievements in 2025 was the rapid development and launch of the National Legal Portal. Within just 12 days, the team created a platform that now serves as a reliable, official source of legal information for citizens, businesses, and government agencies alike. The department also played a key role in advising the Prime Minister on the issuance of two major legal decisions, providing a strong legal foundation for ongoing efforts in legal education and aid.
In addition to these institutional milestones, the meeting served as a heartfelt bridge between past and present. Retired officials, such as Nguyen Duy Lam, former Head of the Department of Legal Dissemination and Legal Education, and Ta Thi Minh Ly, former Director of the Legal Aid Department, shared their pride and optimism for the future. As Nguyen Duy Lam put it, "The results achieved by the Department in recent times are a source of pride for all who have served and continue to serve." Ta Thi Minh Ly added, "Legal aid is a pillar of social justice, and legal education is the bridge that brings legal knowledge to all levels of society. Their combination creates a comprehensive strength, raising legal awareness and directly supporting those in need."
The meeting concluded with a gesture of gratitude: current leaders presented gifts to retired officials, underscoring the enduring spirit of camaraderie and mutual support that defines the department. As Le Ve Quoc reaffirmed, "We will always cherish, inherit, and promote the valuable traditions built by previous generations. Their support and encouragement are a great source of motivation for us to continue fulfilling our mission with excellence."
In the end, these events in Ninh Binh were more than just meetings or training sessions—they were a testament to Vietnam’s steadfast belief in justice, inclusion, and the rule of law. As old friends shook hands and new leaders took up the torch, the message was clear: the journey to bring legal knowledge and aid to every corner of society is far from over, and the legacy of those who paved the way will continue to inspire generations to come.
