Caitlin Wiesen, Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam (Photo: VGP)

She commended the government of Vietnam for tracking the implementation of its UPR commitments under the third cycle review and reporting process.

“The fact that Vietnam has decided to develop a UPR mid-term report, which is voluntary, shows the country’s strong commitment and determination to follow the recommendations it received and accepted during the third cycle review,” she said. “This commitment is particularly important as Vietnam presents itself as a candidate for UN Human Rights Council membership.”

According to Wiesen, Vietnam has seen advances in economic, social and cultural rights, reflected by improvements in its Multidimensional Poverty Index. Advances have also been observed in its governance and the rule of law, but more work is required to ensure equal access to justice and inclusive participation of the most vulnerable, including, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, among others – all topics featured in third cycle UPR recommendations.