Endline Evaluation Report: Increased accountability to eliminate violence and discrimination against children with disabilities

The “Increased Accountability to Eliminate Violence and Discrimination Against Children with Disabilities” (AVAC) project, funded by Save the Children Hong Kong, was implemented from 2022 to 2024 in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and surrounding provinces in Vietnam. The project aimed to enhance child rights implementation by empowering children, caregivers, and civil society organizations (CSOs), while also fostering government accountability in protecting children’s rights in physical and virtual spaces. Target groups included children, particularly those with disabilities; caregivers; CSOs; and policymakers.

A final evaluation assessed the project’s effectiveness using a mixed-method approach, including report synthesis and field surveys involving 1,069 participants, of which 474 were children. The findings indicate significant achievements, with notable successes in child participation, CSO engagement, and government collaboration. The project exceeded several key targets, including the number of child rights-related events and improved child confidence and communication skills. The number of CSOs participating in child rights advocacy also far surpassed expectations. However, some areas, such as consultations with children and caregivers’ perception shifts regarding physical punishment, fell short of their goals, highlighting areas for further improvement.

The project demonstrated strong relevance and impact, particularly in empowering children with disabilities and fostering inclusive participation. Accountability mechanisms ensured responsiveness to community feedback, and initiatives promoting gender sensitivity, safety, and sustainability were well-received. While some aspects require refinement, overall findings confirm that the AVAC project significantly advanced child rights protection and meaningful participation in Vietnam. Continued investment in capacity-building, inclusive education, and advocacy will be critical for sustaining and scaling these achievements.