The Right to Vocational Training for Ethnic Minorities in Vietnam: Legal Implementation and Comparative Perspectives in the Context of Sustainable Development

Abstract

This article examines the right to vocational training and its implementation for ethnic minorities in Vietnam in the context of sustainable development. Drawing on the Rights-Based Approach (RBA) as the primary analytical framework, the study argues that vocational training should be understood not merely as an economic instrument but as a legal obligation of the State to ensure social equity. Through doctrinal legal analysis and an examination of implementation practices, the article evaluates Vietnam’s current legal framework and identifies a significant shift from a charity-based model towards an empowerment-oriented approach that enhances the autonomy of ethnic minority communities. Despite notable achievements in policy coverage, the implementation process continues to face limitations, particularly in terms of institutional coordination and adaptability to the digital economy. By examining comparative experiences from Australia, Canada, and China, the study highlights key lessons, including the adoption of embedded training models, the recognition of community self-determination, and the development of comprehensive support systems. Methodologically, the research employs doctrinal analysis, secondary data review, comparative analysis, and synthesis. Based on these findings, the article proposes a set of legal and policy recommendations, with particular emphasis on institutionalizing delegation mechanisms and differentiating target groups in vocational training policies. These measures aim to transform vocational training into an effective tool that enables ethnic minorities to actively integrate and achieve sustainable development.