Ethnic minorities must be given the opportunity to be more proactive.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Ba Nam (University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi) - Project leader - giving a speech - Photo: Manh Khang

The seminar is a meeting and exchange of ideas between scientists and researchers from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. The goal of the seminar is to identify issues and propose solutions to implement democracy and the rights of ethnic minorities in the context of current development in Southeast Asia (including Vietnam).

The opinions shared by scientists at the seminar served as the basis for the research group from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi to carry out the national-level project "Some basic and urgent issues concerning ethnic minorities in East Asia and Southeast Asia and their impacts on Vietnam," within the framework of the national science and technology program for the period 2016-2020.

Attending the seminar, on behalf of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Ba Nam - Project Leader - and Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu - Deputy Project Leader.Representing the University of Social Sciences and Humanities were Prof. Dr. Ngo Van Le - former Rector; Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Them - Director of the Center for Theoretical and Applied Cultural Studies; and Dr. Pham Tan Ha - Vice Rector.The workshop was also attended by scientists including professors, associate professors, and doctors, as well as faculty members currently involved in management, teaching, and research both within and outside the university.

 Associate Professor Dr. Lam Ba Nam - the project leader - said: “We have surveyed, exchanged, and shared experiences with scientists at Kunming University (China); we have surveyed areas along the entire Vietnam-China border, and in Central Vietnam, we have surveyed and evaluated Kon Tum. Currently, we would like to hear opinions from scientists at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.”

 According to Associate Professor Dr. Lam Ba Nam, the research team aims to further understand issues related to the policies of neighboring countries on ethnic minorities and the impact of these policies on ethnic minority issues in Vietnam.

 "Furthermore, we hope that scientists will share more information on the fundamental and urgent issues facing ethnic minorities in the Southern region in the current situation, as each region will have its own specific challenges. We also hope they can predict the future trends of these issues," Mr. Nam noted.

 At the seminar, Professor Tran Ngoc Them stated that, according to his numerous studies, areas less influenced by Chinese, Christian, Islamic, and Western cultures are "heavily negative" – very passive. This is why some ethnic minorities in remote mountainous regions retreat deeper into the forest whenever they see outsiders. "The problem is that we need to help these ethnic minorities become more 'positive' – more proactive in life," the professor said.

 Meanwhile, Professor Ngo Van Le, a People's Teacher, stated that to achieve equality for ethnic minorities, conditions must be created for them to actively participate in the legislative, executive, and judicial processes. The professor argued that all issues in Vietnam are currently viewed through the lens of the majority ethnic group (i.e., the Vietnamese people), and therefore some policies and guidelines are sometimes unsuitable for ethnic minorities.

 According to Associate Professor Dr. Thanh Phan - Deputy Director of the Center for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies, the first thing to do is to clarify the concept of ethnic minorities, because currently this concept is heavily imposed.Associate Professor argues that within ethnic minorities, there are two major concepts that need addressing: newly arrived ethnic minorities and indigenous ethnic minorities. The conflict of interests between these two groups is causing many social problems that require special attention.

 Associate Professor Lam Ba Nam further shared that the current context raises another issue regarding the cross-border and transnational connections of a nation. Many ethnic groups in Vietnam are found in numerous countries. The emergence of super-ethnic communities is increasing.

Dr. Pham Tan Ha hopes that more seminars and exchange programs among scientists will be organized at the University - Photo: Manh Khang