Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu (photo: VOV)

The UN General Assembly elected 14 new Council members for the 2023 to 2025 term from 17 candidates. The Asia and Pacific region presented six candidates for four seats. Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, and Vietnam will fill those seats. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu spoke to the press Tuesday after the votes were counted.

“The General Assembly’s vote for Vietnam to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term is of great significance. It acknowledges Vietnam’s efforts to promote and ensure human rights, and validates the policies and orientations of the Vietnamese Party and State that promote and ensure human rights, a key element of building a socialist state governed by law. The international community anticipates Vietnam’s serving on the Human Rights Council for the second time and contributing to its activities,” Mr. Hieu said.

Gérard Daviot, former President of the French-Vietnamese Friendship Association (Photo: VOV)

French friends expressed their delight at the news that Vietnam was elected one again to the Council, saying it is worthy recognition by the international community of Vietnam’s role.

Gérard Daviot, former President of the French-Vietnamese Friendship Association (AAFV), said: “Vietnam’s election to the UN Human Rights Council is obvious and justifiable because it is a result of a journey that Vietnam successfully outlined and implemented. Vietnam is on the right path. I see myself as a global citizen and I greatly appreciate the path that Vietnam has taken and honor the role of the Vietnamese leaders and people. This is the recognition of the global community for Vietnam. I would like to congratulate Vietnam for being honored internationally for human rights.” 

Hélène Luc, the honorary senator, who has stood side by side with Vietnam in both its struggle for national independence and national construction, said it’s good and important news for Vietnam as well as the United Nations Human Rights.

“I’m very happy to hear the news. I believe Vietnam will help solve a lot of problems and its new role will allow it to do more. I also believe that it will help promote the democratic process at the UN and that Vietnam will fulfill its responsibilities,” said Luc.

Vietnam has actively participated in most UN international conventions on human rights and other international organizations. As of 2021 Vietnam has ratified and participated in 7 of 9 UN Conventions on Human Rights and 25 Conventions of the International Labor Organization. Vietnam is committed to implementing international human rights conventions of which is a member and considers it a political and legal responsibility of the State.

Vietnam's election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term will allow it to continue its effective contributions to the UN's activities to maintain global peace, development, and human rights.