The legal aid system in Vietnam has made significant strides both in quantity and quality, according to the latest report from the Department of Legal Aid under the Ministry of Justice. Since the enactment of the Legal Aid Law in 1997, the system has seen continuous development, with the total number of legal aid cases reaching 2.3 million by the end of 2024. This growth primarily benefits vulnerable groups, such as war veterans, the poor, children, ethnic minorities, and residents of particularly disadvantaged areas, allowing millions to access justice.
Specifically, legal aid centers resolved 63,361 cases, with 39,641 being new cases taken on last year, primarily involving litigation support with 32,748 cases. By the end of the year, 37,343 legal aid cases were closed, underscoring the substantial demand for assistance and the role of legal aid services in legal proceedings aimed at protecting the rights of marginalized individuals.
Representatives from the Department of Legal Aid noted improvements not just in the volume of assistance but also its quality. Many litigation cases yielded positive outcomes, such as reducing sentences, altering charges, or decreasing proposed penalties from prosecutorial recommendations. Similarly, numerous civil disputes saw citizens securing higher damage compensation, reclaiming land rights, or safeguarding interests in legal transactions. These successes reflect not only the effectiveness of legal aid but also the increasingly professional and capable legal aid officers providing these services.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain for the legal aid system. One of the most pressing issues is the uneven distribution of legal assistance services, particularly pronounced in rural or remote areas. While legal aid centers are present across various provinces, many communities still struggle to access these services effectively. A shortage of trained legal aid officers compared to actual needs exacerbates these disparities, hindering optimal service delivery.
Throughout discussions, experts emphasized the necessity for legal aid officers to possess strong professional skills and relevant practical knowledge to assist citizens effectively, especially on complex legal matters. Enhancing the workforce's capacity is deemed imperative for meeting the rising demand for legal assistance adequately.
Compounding the woes, the salaries and incentives for legal aid workers are insufficient. While many proficient and dedicated legal aid officers exist, low wages and lack of sustained incentive policies threaten the sustainability of legal aid operations and make it difficult to attract competent personnel. To bolster effectiveness, experts advocate for continuous enhancement of training quality for legal aid officers. This focused effort could equip them with the necessary skills and insights needed to navigate the intricacies of legal issues and provide high-quality service to citizens.
Alongside training initiatives, addressing remuneration and working conditions for legal aid officers—particularly those operating in challenging regions—is also vitally important. Such measures aim not only to retain talent but also to motivate legal aid officers to make lasting contributions to the region's legal framework.
Investment is not only needed in personnel but also infrastructure and technology; legal aid centers should be upgraded with improved facilities. Online platforms and mobile applications could facilitate access for those living far from legal aid centers, removing barriers involved with travel.
Raising public awareness about the rights and services associated with legal aid is equally significant. Expanding public legal education programs will enlighten communities about their entitlements and available resources to access legal aid services effectively.
Overall, the legal aid system's importance cannot be overstated. It is not merely about providing legal advice; it is about ensuring equitable access to justice for the marginalized and fostering a more inclusive legal system. Therefore, continuous investment, thorough reforms, and broad community engagement will be the keys to overcoming existing challenges and fortifying legal aid quality across Vietnam.