 Ambassador Duong Chi Dung attends the UN Human Rights Council's 37th session in Geneva on February 26, 2018 (Photo: Hoang Hoa/VNA) |
Vietnam responsibly participated in the UN Human Rights Council from 2014 to 2018, the UN Economic and Social Council from 2016 to 2018, and the UNESCO Executive Board from 2015 to 2019. It has promoted the comprehensive approach, supported dialogue and cooperation, respected fundamental principles of international law, and made recognizable contributions to the world body.
Efforts for cooperation, dialogue
Vietnam pays attention to cooperation and dialogue with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Procedures mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Over the past 5 years, Vietnam has welcomed the UN special rapporteurs on cultural rights, freedom of religion and belief, and the right to food. During their Vietnam visits, the special rapporteurs acknowledged the country’s efforts, and their achievements, and candid discussions between central and local authorities and non-governmental organizations, who have given useful recommendations on human rights protection in Vietnam.
Vietnam and other ASEAN countries have incorporated human rights in all pillars of the ASEAN Community and implemented the 5-year Work Plans until 2020 of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children.
ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, approved the regional plan of action on the elimination of violence against women and children in 2015, the ASEAN consensus on the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers in 2017, the joint statement on women, peace, and security in 2017, and will finalize the plan to mainstream the rights of people with disability in the ASEAN Community this year.
Vietnam ratified the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, and joined the Bohol Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime. Vietnam signed bilateral agreements with China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos in combating cross-border human trafficking.
Putting people at the center of development
Vietnam, in its 3rd cycle universal periodic review (UPR) national report and its development policies and strategies, is committed to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its own sustainable development goals. Priorities will be given to reducing poverty, narrowing the development gap, and helping vulnerable groups. Vietnam aims to minimize inequality in access to services related to human rights and social security, and ensure gender equality.
Vietnam works to ensure the right to education and strengthen education on human rights to improve public awareness and the capacity of law enforcement agencies. It continues to be committed to strengthening practical dialogues and effective cooperation with all countries and UN mechanisms related to human rights in the spirit of fairness and respect for international law, aiming to bring true benefits to the people.
Vietnam will continue to strictly implement its obligations under international conventions on human rights which Vietnam has joined and is prepared to participate in other conventions on human rights. Dialogue, cooperation, and welcoming the UN Human Rights Council’s special rapporteurs are important to Vietnam. Vietnam gives priority to its candidacy for UN agencies to contribute to ensuring peace, security, and human rights around the world.