#DidYouKnow Germany and Spain are among the first countries in the world to pass Self-Determination Laws enabling transgender people to choose the gender marker that matches their identity without being required to undergo surgery, including hormone therapy, or psychological assessments

Recently, UNFPA Viet Nam organised a study visit to learn from experiences in developing and implementing legal frameworks on gender affirmation law. The visit to Germany and Spain includes participants representing the National Assembly of Viet Nam Committees, government agencies, social organisation, and UNFPA’s office in Viet Nam.

During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to meet with

 Ms. Ana Redondo García – Minister of Equality of Spain

 Ms. Susana Ros Martínez – Chair of the Equality Committee of the Spanish Parliament

 Mr. Falko Drossman – Member of the Bundestag, Standing Member of the Defense Committee, Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid Committee, and the German Parliament's Transgender Committee

 Mr. Victor Gutíerrez – Parliamentarian for Madrid

 Mr. Santiago Rivero – Parliamentarian for Madrid

 Ms. Esmeralda Bargueño Martín – Councilor for Equality and Diversity, Madrid City Council

 Mr. Antonio Giraldo – Councilor for Socialist Municipal Group, Madrid City Council

And representatives from Ministries of the German and Spanish Governments, including Foreign Affairs, Justice, Family Affairs and Equalities, and social organisations including Transgender Europe, the LVSD – Lesbian and Gay Association Berlin-Brandenburg, Love Rights Organisation, and the FELGBTI+ Federation.

Valuable lessons were shared regarding developing and implementing transgender-related laws, particularly the advocacy process to secure buy-in and the value of the right to self-determination for happy and strong communities. Policies related to increasing employment opportunities and healthcare insurance for transpeople were also discussed.

These practical experiences help to support Viet Nam's efforts to develop its legal protections for trans people.

UNFPA Viet Nam and the delegation express our sincere gratitude to the German and Spanish Embassies in Hanoi and the Vietnamese Embassy in Spain for their active support in making this visit successful.