Decision No. 32/2004/QĐ-BNV on the approval of the Charter (amended) of the Vietnam Student Association

Pursuant to …;

Decision No. 32/2004/QĐ-BNV dated May 4, 2004 of the Minister of Home Affairs on approving the Charter (amended) of the Vietnam Student Association.

THE MINISTER OF THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

Pursuant to Decree No. 102/SL-L004 dated May 20, 1957 on the right to establish Associations;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 45/2003/NĐ-CP dated May 9, 2003 stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Home Affairs;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 88/2003/NĐ-CP dated July 30, 2003 stipulating the organization, operation, and management of associations;

Considering the proposal of the Chairman of the Vietnam Student Association and the Director of the Department for Non-Governmental Organizations;

DECISION:

Article 1. Approves the amended Charter of the Vietnam Student Association which was adopted at the Seventh National Congress on December 31, 2003.

Article 2. The Standard Measurement Quality Control Department shall be responsible for organizing and guiding the implementation of the Regulations adopted herein.

Article 3. The Chairman of the Vietnam Student Association and the Director of the Department for Non-Governmental Organizations shall be responsible for implementing this Decision.

                                                                          

CHARTER (amended) of the Vietnam Student Association

(Adopted by the Seventh National Congress of the Vietnam Student Association on December 31, 2003).

- Name of the Association: Vietnam Student Association

- Traditional Day of the Association: January 9.

- Emblem of the Association: A round emblem with a blue background (Cyan 100%), featuring a flame and a star under the inscription "Vietnam Student Association".

- Official Song of the Association: The Student Song by composer Tran Hoang Tien.

- The Vietnam Student Association has legal personality, with its headquarters located in Hanoi, the capital city.

The Vietnam Student Association is a political-social organization of Vietnamese students. Throughout various stages of revolution, the Vietnam Student Association has gathered a large number of students, promoted the patriotic tradition, national pride, and together with other youth organizations, made significant contributions to the cause of liberating the nation, unifying the country, building and defending the homeland. Entering the period of industrialization and modernization of the country, the Vietnam Student Association continues to promote the intellectual traditions, youthful vigor, and spirit of voluntarism of Vietnamese students for a prosperous people, a strong country, a fair, democratic, and civilized society following the socialist orientation, for the happiness and progress of the youth.

The Association operates within the framework of the Constitution and laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the management of the State, and the central political role of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union. The Association is a member of the Vietnam Federation of Youth Unions and the International Students' Association.

PART I

OBJECTIVES AND TASKS OF THE VIETNAM STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Article 1. Objectives of the organization and activities of the Association:

The Vietnam Student Association unites and gathers a wide range of Vietnamese students to strive for the goals and ideals of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, contributing to building a peaceful, independent, prosperous, fair, democratic, and civilized Vietnam following the socialist orientation, for the legitimate and just interests of students; uniting and cooperating equally with progressive student and youth organizations and peoples around the world for the goals of peace, national independence, democracy, and social progress.

The Vietnam Student Association operates throughout the country and is permitted to operate abroad according to Vietnamese law and the laws of the host countries.

Article 2. Tasks of the Vietnam Student Association:

1. To unite, encourage, and assist members and students in their studies and training, fulfilling the duties of a student, contributing to strengthening schools.

2. To educate members and students about ideals, moral traditions, lifestyles, and legal awareness.

3. To reflect the needs and aspirations of students; participate in proposing policies related to students. Organize practical activities to care for the material and spiritual lives and protect the legitimate rights and interests of members, students, and the organization.

4. To unite and develop friendly cooperative relations with progressive student and youth organizations and peoples around the world for peace, national independence, democracy, and social progress.

Chapter II

MEMBERSHIP

Article 3.

1. Vietnamese citizens studying at universities and colleges inside and outside the country who agree with the Association's Charter and voluntarily join the Association may be admitted as members of the Vietnam Student Association.

2. Officials, teachers, political, scientific, economic, social, cultural, artistic figures, etc., with prestige among students and in society, both domestically and internationally, who have made positive contributions to the Association and voluntarily participate in its activities may be admitted as honorary members of the Vietnam Student Association.

3. Those who have completed university or college education, if appointed to leadership positions in the Association, may continue to work within the organization.

Procedures for admitting members; rights and obligations of honorary members are regulated by the Central Secretariat of the Association.

Article 4. Members have the following duties:

1. Always strive for the ideals of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh; actively study, train, and participate in social work, unite and help other members and students in their studies and daily life.

2. Adhere to the Constitution and laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, maintain the character of a student, and participate in building a cultural environment among students and in society.

3. Strictly implement the Charter and resolutions of the Association, promote the reputation and expand the influence of the Association among students and in society, attend meetings and pay membership fees regularly.

Article 5. Members have the following rights:

1. Request the Association to represent and protect their legitimate rights and interests before the law and public opinion, receive assistance and conditions to strive for growth.

2. Participate in all activities and enjoy collective benefits provided by the Association or managed by the Association.

3. Discuss and supervise the Association's affairs, nominate and be nominated for leadership positions at various levels of the Association.

Chapter III

PRINCIPLES, ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE, AND OPERATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 6. Principles of organization and operations of the Association:

The Vietnam Student Association organizes and operates based on the principles of voluntary participation, democratic consultation, coordination, and unified action. The basic content of these principles is:

+ All students participating in the organization and activities of the Association do so voluntarily.

+ Deliberation, negotiation, and voting by raising hands when deciding on the contents and work plans of the Association, when electing the Executive Board, Secretariat, leadership positions at all levels of the Association, and delegates to attend higher-level Congresses and Conferences.

+ Members have the responsibility to propose, discuss, reach consensus, and coordinate to organize the implementation of the Association's programs and activities.

Article 7. The organization of the Association includes:

- The Central Association of Vietnamese Youth.

- Provincial and municipal youth associations.

- University, college, academy, and institute youth associations.

- Student associations established within units including: Branch Associations, sub-associations, clubs, teams, and student working groups.

The establishment, merger, dissolution, and liquidation of assets and finances of various levels of associations must comply with the provisions of the law, the Charter of the Association, and the guidelines of the Central Association Secretariat. The tasks of the Executive Board and Secretariat of university student associations and the tasks of the Executive Board of branch associations are defined by the Central Association Secretariat.

Article 8The Vietnamese Youth Association can be established among Vietnamese students abroad. The establishment and organization of activities shall be regulated by guidelines issued by the Central Association Secretariat after obtaining permission from competent state authorities.

Article 9. Congresses of youth associations at all levels:

1. Term of Congresses of youth associations at all levels:

- National, provincial, and municipal congresses: once every five years.

- School congresses: twice every five years.

- Sub-association congresses: once a year.

The term of branch association congresses is determined by the Central Association Secretariat. When necessary and if more than half of the Executive Board members propose, the respective levels of the Association may convene extraordinary conferences.

2. The number of delegates at each level is decided by the Executive Board of the Association at that level, consisting of Executive Board members, delegates elected democratically by lower-level conferences, and appointed delegates (the number of appointed delegates attending the Congress does not exceed 5% of the total number of delegates convened).

3. Tasks of Congresses and Conferences of youth associations at all levels:

- Summarize the term of the Executive Board of the Association at the same level;

- Decide on the goals and action programs of the Association for the new term;

- Negotiate and unanimously elect the Executive Board of the Association at the same level;

- Discuss and provide opinions on documents;

- Negotiate and unanimously vote to elect delegates to attend higher-level Congresses and Conferences (if applicable).

Article 10. Leadership bodies at all levels of the youth associations:

- The highest leadership body of the Vietnamese Youth Association is the National Congress. The leadership body at each level is the Congress at that level. The leadership body between two terms of Congresses at all levels is the Executive Board elected unanimously through negotiation.

- The Central Association Executive Board, provincial and municipal Association Executive Boards, and school Association Executive Boards elect the Secretariat comprising: Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and Secretariat members. The Standing Secretariat of the Central Association includes: Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons. The Secretariat is the leadership body of the Association between two meetings of the Executive Board.

- The Executive Board of sub-associations elects the sub-association chairperson and vice-chairperson.

- Regular meetings of the Central Association Executive Board are held once a year. Provincial and municipal Association Executive Boards hold two meetings annually. School Association Executive Boards hold four meetings annually. Sub-association Executive Boards meet once a month. In addition to regular meetings, the Executive Board may hold extraordinary meetings.

Article 11.

- The number of Executive Board members at each level is determined by the Congress at that level based on the guidance of the Central Association Secretariat.

- The Executive Board at all levels has the authority to decide on the composition of its own Executive Board according to the number and structure approved by the Congress, based on negotiation, recommendations from lower levels, and recognition by the directly superior Association.

Article 12. Tasks of the Executive Board and Secretariat at all levels:

1. Central Association:

a) The Executive Board has the following responsibilities:

- Organizing the implementation of the Charter of the Association and resolutions of the National Congress of the Vietnamese Youth Association.

- Deciding on action programs, internal and external tasks, and organizational and financial work of the Association.

- Summoning the National Congress of the Vietnamese Youth Association.

- Negotiating and electing the Inspection Board and its Chairperson from among the Executive Board members.

b) The Secretariat has the following responsibilities:

- Representing the Central Association Executive Board to direct and guide all levels of the Association in implementing resolutions and policies of the Central Association Executive Board; coordinating with state agencies, domestic and international organizations to address issues related to Association work and the student movement, and officially representing the Vietnamese Youth Association in national and international events.

- Directing, guiding, and supervising lower-level Associations in implementing the policies of the Central Association Executive Board.

- Preparing agendas for Central Association Executive Board meetings.

- Managing the finances of the Association at the same level.

c) The Standing Secretariat of the Central Association has the responsibility to manage daily operations between Central Association Secretariat meetings.

2. Provincial and Municipal Youth Associations:

a) The Executive Board has the following responsibilities:

- Organizing the implementation of resolutions of their own Congress and resolutions and activity programs of the Vietnamese Youth Association.

- Deciding on action programs, organizational work, inspection, and financial work of the Association at their own level.

- Summoning provincial and municipal congresses.

- Negotiating and electing the Inspection Board and its Chairperson from among the Executive Board members.

b) The Secretariat has the following responsibilities:

- Organizing the implementation of resolutions and work programs of the Executive Board of the Association at their own level.

- Coordinating and cooperating with state agencies and organizations in the province or city to resolve issues related to Association work and the student movement in the locality.

- Preparing agendas for provincial and municipal Executive Board meetings.

- Managing the finances of the Association at the same level.

3. School Youth Associations:

a) The Executive Board has the following responsibilities:

- Organizing the implementation of resolutions and work programs of higher-level Associations, deciding and organizing the implementation of work programs of the Association at their own level.

- Convene the University Student Association Representative Congress.

- Negotiate to elect the Inspection Board and its Chairperson from among the members of the Inspection Board.

b) The Secretariat has the following responsibilities:

- Organizing the implementation of resolutions and work programs of the Executive Board of the Association at their own level.

- Assist the Executive Board in understanding the situation and needs of students within the unit to reflect them to the university and higher-level associations.

- Approve the admission of new members of branch associations.

- Propose and recommend to the Party Committee, the University Management Board, and coordinate with other organizations within the university to resolve issues related to association activities and student movements.

- Prepare the agenda for Executive Board meetings.

- Managing the finances of the Association at the same level.

4. Duties of the Branch Association Executive Board:

- Organize the implementation of policies and work programs of the branch association and higher-level associations.

- Understand the situation and needs of students to propose and recommend to the University-level Association Executive Board.

- Admit new members, manage members; introduce outstanding members to the Youth Union for cultivation and admission.

- Manage income and expenditure, deduct and remit membership fees.

Chapter IV

INSPECTION WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION AND INSPECTION BOARDS AT ALL LEVELS

Article 13.

1. Inspection is one of the leadership functions of the Association. The Association must carry out inspection work.

2. At all levels, the Association leads inspection work and organizes the implementation of inspection tasks regarding the execution of the Charter, Resolutions, and implementation of work programs by associations and members.

Article 14.

1. The Inspection Board of the Association is established from the Central level down to the university level. The Inspection Board is elected through negotiation by the Executive Board at the same level and is officially recognized by the Secretariat of the Higher-level Student Association.

2. The structure, number of members of the Inspection Board at each level; recognition and removal of members of the Inspection Board are carried out according to the guidelines of the Central Secretariat of the Association.

3. The term of office of the Inspection Board is the same as that of the Executive Board at the same level.

Article 15.

1. The Inspection Boards at all levels are auxiliary bodies and are under the leadership of the Executive Board at the same level and the guidance of the higher-level Inspection Board.

2. Duties of the Inspection Boards at all levels:

- Advise the Executive Board and the Secretariat at the same level on inspecting the enforcement of the Charter, Resolutions, policies, and work programs of the Association.

- Inspect cadres, members, Executive Board members at the same level, and lower-level organizations when there are signs of violation of the Association's Charter.

- Resolve complaints and denunciations of cadres, members, and the public related to cadres and members; protect the legitimate rights of members.

- Inspect membership fee work and the use of other funds of units directly under the Executive Board at the same level and below.

- Advise the Executive Board and the Secretariat at the same level on award and disciplinary work and inspect the enforcement of organizational work programs by lower-level organizations.

Chapter V

REWARD AND DISCIPLINE

Article 16.

Cadres, members, all levels of the Association, and those who have contributed to education, training, and nurturing of students, in building the Association and student movements shall be considered for awards or recommended for awards.

Cadres, members, and all levels of the Association who violate the Association's Charter, affecting the reputation of the Association, shall be subject to disciplinary measures including:

+ For cadres and members: Reprimand, warning, dismissal from position, expulsion from the Association. + For Association levels: Reprimand, warning, dissolution.

Specific regulations on awards and discipline are guided by the Central Secretariat of the Association.

Chapter VI

ASSOCIATION FINANCES

Article 17.

1. The financial resources of the Association include the following sources of income:

- Membership fees contributed by members.

- State and university support funds.

- Other lawful revenues.

2. The expenses of the Association include:

- Activities of the Association.

- Rewards.

- Material infrastructure serving the activities of the Association.

The use of financial resources of the Student Association is managed by the Executive Board and the Secretariat at all levels in accordance with state financial management principles.

Chapter VII

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASSOCIATION'S CHARTER

Article 18.

- The Charter of the Vietnam Student Association consists of seven chapters and eighteen articles; all cadres, members, and Association organizations must strictly comply with the Charter. The Charter of the Vietnam Student Association only has validity when approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and permitted circulation according to the law.

- Amendments, supplements, and approval of the Charter of the Association are conducted by the National Congress or the National Conference of Representatives. All amendments and supplements must be approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and permitted circulation according to the law.

- The Central Secretariat of the Vietnam Student Association is responsible for guiding the implementation of the Charter.

- Amendments, supplements, and approval of the Charter of the Association are conducted by the National Congress or the National Conference of Representatives. All amendments and supplements must be approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and permitted circulation according to the law.

- The Central Secretariat of the Vietnam Student Association is responsible for guiding the implementation of the Charter./