A/HRC/17/34/Add.1 those affected by natural disasters are covered by social protection. The State must actively seek out ways to reach these groups. (b) Take all efforts to minimize exclusion errors. From a human rights perspective exclusion errors are much more serious than inclusion errors. The exclusion of rightful beneficiaries constitutes a violation of their right to social security and the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Moreover, those excluded are often the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, as they will find it most difficult to claim for their inclusion. (c) Ensure that qualifying conditions for benefits of targeted schemes are gendersensitive, reasonable, objective and transparent. 2. Coverage 74. The limited coverage of some of the existing programmes may raise concerns about compliance with the principles of equality and non-discrimination. 75. In regard to social assistance programmes, the independent expert welcomes the adoption of Decree 67, merging a number of initiatives, widening eligibility criteria and raising benefit levels. However, as recognized by the Government, the coverage of social assistance is still low due to tight eligibility restrictions, and the benefit levels are still insufficient. The independent expert welcomes the new Social Security Strategy, which includes among its goals an expansion of the number of beneficiaries of regular assistance, as well as the further adaptation of eligibility criteria in order to cover all households living under the poverty line and increase benefit levels.70 76. In regard to access to health care, the independent expert welcomes the adoption of the Health Insurance Law (2008) providing a platform for the expansion of compulsory and voluntary health insurance coverage. From a human rights perspective it is a significant step forward and its aim of achieving universal protection by 2014 should be commended. However, as mentioned below, further efforts are needed to ensure quality treatment; in particular, by those living in poverty. 77. Another positive measure is the Health Care Fund for the Poor (HCFP) that provides support for the inclusion of households living in poverty in health insurance schemes and provides free health services to all children of less than six years. MOLISA reports that more than 60 per cent of the total population is now covered by insurance.71 78. Evaluations indicate that HCFP and its predecessor, “Free Health Care Cards for the Poor”, have been successful at targeting the poorest groups in Viet Nam, successfully promoting their more regular utilization of medical facilities and lowering the risk of sudden catastrophic expenses. However, regional differences in implementation may be contributing to a lower than expected coverage, and there are further challenges in implementation as described below. The Government faces several challenges in improving the coverage of health insurance (e.g. to rural people) and ensuring that the quality of health care services does not diminish but rather improves progressively over time. 3. Availability and adequate quality 79. The principle of equality and non-discrimination also requires States to ensure that social protection complies with the human rights standards of availability, accessibility, and cultural acceptability and adaptability. 70 71 18 MOLISA, “Social Security Strategy: Period 2011-2020” (2010), p. 29. Ibid., p. 18.