Bringing Law to the People: Conscientious Journey for Community

"Legal assistance is not only a humanitarian policy but also a bridge that connects people to justice and brings the law into everyday life."

Director Le Thi Dieu of the Dien Bien State Legal Aid Center speaks with residents at a local consultation point in a highland area

In Vietnam’s far northwestern frontier, Dien Bien holds an important position in national defense and security while serving as home to a diverse mix of ethnic communities spread across its rugged terrain. Covering more than 9,541 square kilometers, the province is home to 19 ethnic groups, with the Hmong accounting for over 38%, the Thai nearly 36%, and the Kinh about 17%. More than 80% of its residents are eligible for free legal aid, most of whom live in remote areas where the concept of law is still unfamiliar.

For nearly 30 years, the Dien Bien State Legal Aid Center has been dedicated to its mission of bringing the law to the people, bridging the gap between law and everyday life.

Built on dedication and perseverance

Established in 1999, the center has overcome many difficulties to become an important link between law and daily life. From modest facilities and limited personnel, it has grown to 20 staff members, including 13 legal aid officers, 10 contracted lawyers, and 5 branches in remote areas, bringing legal services to villages across the province.

“In a place as challenging as Dien Bien, legal aid is the lifeline of social justice,” said Le Thi Dieu, Director of the Dien Bien State Legal Aid Center.

Since 2020, the center has handled 5,282 cases, including 4,449 involving legal representation, 3,066 for defense and 1,383 for rights protection, an increase of 2.82 times compared with 2015-2019. More than 90% of the cases were referred by judicial agencies, reflecting trust and close coordination within the legal protection system.

Legal awareness campaigns have also been strengthened, with nearly 200 communication sessions held in more than 1,200 villages, attracting about 51,500 participants. Around 80% of legal consultations originated from these outreach activities, proving the effectiveness of the “close to the people, understand the people, help the people” approach.

Behind each case lies the perseverance of legal aid officers. During the dry season, they travel to Huoi So in Tua Chua and sometimes go days without bathing; in the rainy season, slippery roads and motorbike accidents are common. On trips through the forest to remote villages, meals often consist only of roasted corn and boiled vegetables shared by local residents. Yet through these challenges, they gain a deeper appreciation for justice and trust in the rule of law.

Despite its achievements, the center continues to face major challenges: remote locations, many residents who do not speak Vietnamese, local hesitation toward lawyer involvement, limited funding while over 80% of residents qualify for aid, staff shortages, lack of special allowances, and increasing workload pressure.

Practical solutions guided by aspiration

In response to these challenges, the Dien Bien State Legal Aid Center has identified five key solution groups:(1) Policy consultation and implementation of the 2017 Law on Legal Aid and the 2015-2025 Reform Plan, along with the signing of interagency cooperation programs. (2) Strengthened coordination in legal proceedings to ensure that citizens receive legal access from the start of each case. (3) Diversified communication methods, combining traditional outreach with digital platforms such as videos, Zalo, Facebook, and hotlines. (4) Human resource development by training young legal officers and providing them with practical experience. (5) Measuring performance by results, with over 40% of cases each year producing clear social impact.

For nearly 30 years, legal aid has contributed to poverty reduction, strengthened public trust, and reinforced the rule of law in Dien Bien. In the remote mountain areas, the law stands not only for fairness but also for moral guidance, serving as a bridge between local communities and the State.

“Each case is more than a statistic; it is a person who needs protection and an opportunity to bring justice to disadvantaged communities,” said Director Le Thi Dieu.

The journey of bringing the law to the people continues, challenging yet deeply humane. With an enduring commitment to deliver justice to every village, the Dien Bien State Legal Aid Center remains a beacon of the rule of law in Vietnam’s northwestern frontier.

By Ha Thanh, Vietnam Business Forum