On October 18, 2025, in the bustling province of Quang Ninh, Vietnam, a series of vibrant training conferences unfolded with a singular mission: to bridge the gap between the law and the people. Organized by the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education and Legal Aid under the Ministry of Justice, these events brought together grassroots officials, community representatives, and members from various associations across eight wards, including Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, Viet Hung, Cao Xanh, Ha Long, Hong Gai, Ha Lam, and Ha Tu. Their shared goal? To deepen understanding of legal aid and empower local leaders to support their communities more effectively.
According to Bao Phap Luat, the conferences were part of the broader national sustainable poverty reduction program running from 2021 to 2025. This initiative aims to tackle multidimensional poverty, ensure inclusivity, and help vulnerable households rise above the minimum living standard. One of the program’s core strategies is to elevate legal literacy and ensure that those eligible for legal aid—such as revolution contributors, poor households, ethnic minorities in challenging socio-economic conditions, disabled children and elderly people facing financial hardship—know their rights and how to access free legal support.
The events drew an impressive crowd: local officials, neighborhood leaders, representatives from community organizations, and other reputable community members. The atmosphere, as reported by Tien Phong, was lively and open, with participants eager to learn and engage. The sessions weren’t just lectures; they were interactive exchanges, with real-life legal scenarios woven into the curriculum. These practical examples—ranging from land disputes and marriage issues to labor rights and social insurance—helped demystify the law and make it accessible to everyone in the room.
Guiding these sessions were distinguished legal experts. Among them, Master Le Thi Thuy, Director of the Legal Information and Support Center, offered her expertise, while lawyer Nguyen Ngoc Lan from the Ngoc Lan Law Firm, also a lecturer at Dai Nam University, broke down complex legal concepts into digestible, relatable advice. Their presentations covered the nuts and bolts of the 2017 Legal Aid Law: who qualifies for aid, what rights and obligations beneficiaries hold, the roles of organizations and individuals in the legal aid process, and the many forms legal aid can take—be it free legal consultation, courtroom representation, or assistance outside of litigation.
One of the most impactful elements of the conferences was the hands-on approach. The speakers didn’t just recite statutes; they illustrated their points with specific, everyday dilemmas. This method, as one delegate from Ha Lam ward shared during the event, made the material “very practical and easy to understand.” The delegate added, “I believe that these conferences should be expanded and spread further so that people and neighborhood officials like us can clearly understand the law in general and legal aid in particular. The situations and examples provided by the speakers were very good and realistic. Thank you very much to the Department of Legal Dissemination, Legal Education and Legal Aid.”
Beyond theory and examples, the organizers ensured that every attendee left with concrete tools. Detailed contact information for the Quang Ninh provincial legal aid center was distributed, along with step-by-step instructions on how to request assistance. This practical guidance is critical—after all, knowing your rights is only half the battle; knowing how to exercise them is just as important.
According to Bao Phap Luat, the conferences also emphasized the rights and duties of both legal aid beneficiaries and the professionals providing these services. Participants learned not only about the legal framework but also about the importance of timely referrals and the process for connecting community members to the appropriate support channels. This dual focus—on both knowledge and action—was designed to ensure that legal aid isn’t just a policy on paper, but a living, breathing resource in the daily lives of Quang Ninh’s residents.
The events were more than just a one-off initiative. Delegates expressed a strong desire for the Ministry of Justice to continue and expand these training sessions. The ripple effect is already being felt: as knowledge and skills spread from these core groups to the wider community, a more robust foundation for legal aid is taking shape. This, in turn, supports the broader goal of building a society where everyone—especially the most vulnerable—can access justice and live with greater security and dignity.
Importantly, these conferences align with Vietnam’s national push for sustainable development. By integrating legal education into poverty reduction efforts, the government recognizes that economic well-being and legal empowerment go hand in hand. When people understand their rights and have the means to defend them, they are better equipped to navigate challenges, resolve disputes, and participate more fully in society.
The lively discussions at the conferences highlighted real concerns and questions from the ground. Many participants, faced with complex situations like land disputes or family conflicts, sought advice tailored to their realities. The immediate, clear answers provided by the experts not only resolved doubts but also built trust in the legal aid system. As one participant remarked, the open and responsive atmosphere made the law feel less intimidating and more like a tool for everyday problem-solving.
It’s worth noting that the focus on practical application is a hallmark of effective legal education. Rather than relying on abstract principles, the conferences prioritized relatable scenarios and actionable steps. This approach, praised by both officials and community members, is likely to yield lasting benefits as participants return to their neighborhoods better equipped to guide others and advocate for fair treatment.
As the knowledge gained at these conferences continues to spread, the hope is that legal aid will become an integral part of community life in Quang Ninh. The organizers, speakers, and delegates all share a vision: a province where the law serves the people, and where no one is left behind due to lack of information or access. With continued investment in training and outreach, that vision seems increasingly within reach.
In the end, the October 18 conferences stand as a testament to the power of education and community engagement in advancing justice. By equipping local leaders with the tools to help their neighbors navigate legal challenges, Quang Ninh is setting a powerful example for provinces across Vietnam. And for the many residents now better informed about their rights, the path to justice just became a little clearer.
