On 9/12, delegate Nguyen Minh Tam, Deputy Head of the Quang Tri delegation, highlighted alarming divorce statistics. Annually, about 2,6% of Vietnamese people divorce or separate. According to the Institute for Family and Gender Studies' 2023 data, the country recorded over 60,000 divorce cases, representing about 30% of all new marriages. "These are alarming figures, reflecting the fragility of marriage in the current context", she stated. This trend severely impacts children and is considered a factor contributing to the rise in juvenile crime. Such a reality necessitates practical solutions from all levels and sectors to curb divorce, particularly among youth, thereby sustainably reducing crime and legal violations.

Delegate Tam emphasized the crucial role of mediation—at family, community, and court levels—in mending relationships for families on the brink of collapse. However, current mediation efforts are not adequately addressed. The Grassroots Mediation Law, though enacted long ago, has shown limited effectiveness. Policies for mediators are inadequate, making it difficult to attract experienced individuals, and mediation activities often remain formal and lack depth. She argued that court rulings should aim beyond property division or child custody, striving for reconciliation and reunion to help couples build happy families and care for their children. Therefore, competent authorities should consider assigning specific targets for successful mediation in divorce cases. This would link judges' accountability to mediation efforts, helping to curb the increasing divorce trend. Furthermore, the Grassroots Mediation Law requires amendment to enhance its actual effectiveness.

Delegate Nguyen Minh Tam (Deputy Head of Quang Tri delegation). Photo: Hoang Phong.

Associate Professor Nguyen Huu Minh, Director of the Institute for Family and Gender Studies, noted at a previous workshop that divorce cases have steadily increased over the years, with a growing proportion of women initiating proceedings. He explained that the market economy has deeply penetrated family life, influencing marital emotions and leading to regrettable divorces, which in turn result in incomplete development for children.

The mid-term population and housing survey 2024 reveals that 2,9% of the urban population has divorced, with the highest concentration in the 40 to 49 age group. Nationwide, over 2,3 million people are divorced or separated. The divorce rate in urban areas is higher than in rural areas, at 2,9% and 2,4% respectively. Regionally, the Southeast region records the highest number of divorced or separated individuals, with nearly 560,000 people, followed by the Mekong Delta with over 521,700 people. Ho Chi Minh City has the highest number of divorced or separated residents at over 263,300, followed by Hanoi with over 146,400.

Son Ha