Lao government

So far, the virus has spread across all ASEAN member states, with 74,310 confirmed cases and 2,324 fatalities as of May 22. In addition to the health crisis, the pandemic is also taking a toll by severely disrupting socio-economic activities, co-operation and exchanges in many fields, not to mention, between member states and among ASEAN and its external partners. The growth rate of all ASEAN members is predicted to sharply decline, and some ASEAN countries will suffer negative growth. Lockdowns, border closures, quarantines, travel restrictions, social distancing and temporary closure of business activities have been used across ASEAN to contain the virus, but the measures are also affecting all other areas, including ASEAN’s annual schedule. According to the ASEAN Secretariat, up to now, more than 200 ASEAN meetings have been postponed or cancelled. A lot of the expected plans of Việt Nam’s Chairmanship have been put on hold. … [Read more...] about Việt Nam helps ASEAN battle the COVID-19 pandemic

First, under Vietnam’s chairmanship, ASEAN activated virtual channels to ensure continuous communication among ASEAN members. This solution has helped ASEAN and its partners stay connected, sustain seamless co-ordination, and make quick and timely responses amidst the crisis. The first of its results came out on February 14 when Vietnam issued the 'Chair’s Statement on ASEAN’s Joint Response to the Outbreak of COVID-19'. This statement aimed to draw attention to the risks of this virus, call for regional and international co-operation, underline ASEAN solidarity and unity, and reiterate commitment to working together to prevent the spread of the contagion and restoring peace and safety to daily life. Statements by the ASEAN defence, economic and tourism Ministers followed suit, recognising the need for close co-operation in not only curbing the spread of the virus but also restoring the economy in the aftermath. Then, on April 14, as chaired by Vietnam, … [Read more...] about Vietnam helps ASEAN battle the COVID-19 pandemic

Last month, the Cambodian government decided to lift the travel ban for six countries, namely Iran, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and the US. However, those entering the country are required to have health certificates issued no longer than 72 hours before flying to confirm that they are free of the novel virus SARS-CoV-2 as well as minimum 50,000 USD health insurance policies. … [Read more...] about Latest Coronavirus News in Vietnam & Southeast Asia May 27

In the Philippines, police in Manila on May 26 did a dry run of measures to enforce social distancing on public transport and control the spread of coronavirus. The exercise aimed to manage hundreds of thousands of people once public transportation eventually resumes after having been closed for nearly 11 weeks. … [Read more...] about Latest Coronavirus News in Vietnam & Southeast Asia May 28

The Netherlands-based organization ranked 182 countries and territories around the world based on five metrics including the right to life, right to health, right to education, right to protection and the enabling environment for child rights, using data and evidence collected from the United Nations' Committee on the Rights of the Child. … [Read more...] about Vietnam third best on child rights in Southeast Asia: survey