Ho Chi Minh City Police Issue IDs to 99 Previously 'Nameless' Individuals

In the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where life moves at a relentless pace, a quiet initiative has brought profound change to the lives of 99 individuals who were once invisible. These are the forgotten souls—the homeless, orphaned children, and those battling mental illness—whose lack of basic identification like ID cards and birth certificates created insurmountable barriers to essential services. The Vietnamese government, through the dedicated efforts of the Ho Chi Minh City police, has embarked on a mission to restore their identities, a process that is far more than a bureaucratic formality.

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I never thought I would have full documents, a clear name like today...

For many, receiving an ID card or birth certificate for the first time is an emotional milestone, a moment of true recognition. At the Tan Dinh Mental Health Treatment Center, the scene was one of quiet joy as these crucial documents were handed out. Among them was Mr. Do Van Hue, a 68-year-old resident who has lived at the center for 13 years. Representing nearly 1,500 patients, he tearfully shared his disbelief at finally having official papers. This is not just about paperwork; it's about reclaiming dignity and the fundamental rights of citizenship. The gratitude expressed towards the police and center staff underscores the deep human impact of this program.

This endeavor, as highlighted by Mr. Nguyen Van Vu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice, is a testament to the foundational importance of legal identity. "For the people here, it's not just an administrative procedure, but a door opening up opportunities for care, protection, and recognition," he stated. The process of verifying identities for these special cases is, as Deputy Head of the Social Order Administration Police Department (PC06) of Ho Chi Minh City Police, Lieutenant Colonel Vo Hong Bao, described, a "difficult problem." Many individuals lack original documents, have fragmented information, or cannot self-report. Each case requires meticulous investigation and patient reconstruction of identity from the smallest clues. The commitment to resolving these complex cases, with over 500 still pending verification, showcases the perseverance of the authorities.

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For the people here, it's not just an administrative procedure, but a door opening up opportunities for care, protection, and recognition.

This success story is a powerful example of inter-agency collaboration, involving police, justice, health departments, and local authorities. The long-term goal extends beyond issuing documents; it's about ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their circumstances, is recognized and supported. From the perspective of Vietnam, this initiative reflects a deep-seated cultural value of community care and ensuring that no one is left behind. While international coverage might focus on economic development or political stability, stories like these highlight the government's commitment to social welfare and the human dignity of its most vulnerable citizens. It's a reminder that progress is measured not just in statistics, but in the tangible improvement of individual lives.

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This is a difficult problem.