Developing Self-governing Resident Group model to expand democracy and promote human rights in Dong Thap Province

Abstract

Self-government has existed for a long time in Vietnamese society's development history. Our nation managed to survive the invading forces during the Northern domination period, resulting from village and commune self-governing and community cohesion. In recent years many non-state institutions have emerged for one or more specific purposes, such as contributing to the expansion of democratic rights and promoting the implementation of human and public rights. The Self-governing Resident Group model in Dong Thap Province, formerly known as the Civil Defense - Study Encouragement Group and established in 2007, is regarded as a voluntary, self-governing model that brings the masses together to participate in state and social management activities at the grassroots level. The paper outline the formation of this model and its impact on promoting democracy, ensuring human rights, and citizens' rights. As a result, a number of solutions are proposed and recommended to improve and develop this model in the future.