Vietnam and 13 other countries will assume the position of member of the Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term. This is the second time Vietnam has been elected to the Human Rights Council after the first time in 2013, for the 2014-2016 term. Vietnam's membership in the Human Rights Council has received much attention from the international community. On the occasion of the first year of Vietnam's membership in the Human Rights Council, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet gave assessments and comments on the past year and directions for the coming time. The Deputy Minister said that Vietnam has actively participated, leaving its mark right from the first activities, with many initiatives in line with Vietnam's priorities and the common concerns of the world, which have been highly appreciated by the international community.

A Human Rights Council session. Photo: UN

Vietnam also participates more deeply in common work, promoting dialogue and cooperation at the Human Rights Council in the spirit of Respect and understanding. Dialogue and cooperation. All rights. For everyone . Vietnam has made more than 80 national statements at meetings of the Human Rights Council on ensuring human rights in aspects of interest to the international community. These are: Sustainable development, responding to climate change, migration, promoting gender equality, ensuring the right to housing, the right to food, cultural rights, the right to development, protecting vulnerable groups... The Deputy Minister emphasized: "Vietnam has very responsibly fulfilled its obligations and main rights as a member state of the Human Rights Council during the negotiation and voting process to pass draft resolutions". Vietnam has had a constructive approach to human rights issues that are still diverse, politicized, and have many conflicts at the Human Rights Council, such as the situation of specific countries (Ukraine, Russia, Palestine, Sudan, etc.), the relationship between development and human rights, reproductive health and sex education, the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, religious tolerance, etc.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet

On the one hand, Vietnam contributes to the common struggle of developing countries to protect the principle of non-politicization and non-use of human rights issues to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states. On the other hand, Vietnam has listened to and respected the countries' need for cooperation and technical assistance, promoting cooperation and dialogue so that the Human Rights Council can act to meet the legitimate needs of countries in this field. According to the Deputy Minister, Vietnam's contributions at the Human Rights Council have helped the international community better understand our efforts and commitments in protecting and promoting human rights, thereby promoting our cooperative relations with countries and international organizations. The contents of cooperation at the Human Rights Council have been promoted by countries, including major partners, in exchanges with Vietnam, including in foreign affairs activities of high-ranking Vietnamese leaders. Friendly, partner countries with similar views, ASEAN, etc. have also promoted existing exchange mechanisms or organized new activities to discuss in-depth with Vietnam on cooperation at the Human Rights Council. The Deputy Minister said that the position of a member of the Human Rights Council also contributes to helping us mobilize countries to support us in fighting against activities that distort the situation in Vietnam at United Nations mechanisms and forums. The Deputy Foreign Minister shared that although there is still a long way ahead, with many difficulties and challenges, at this time, it can be said that the first year of assuming the role of a member of the Human Rights Council 2023-2025 is a success for Vietnam with many marks.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son speaks at the high-level session of the 55th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on February 26. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2024 is a pivotal year for the 2023-2025 term of membership of the Human Rights Council, with many key activities... The Deputy Minister said that Vietnam continues to promote initiatives and priorities, especially initiatives on climate change and human rights, combined with the work of mobilizing countries to continue supporting Vietnam's first re-election as a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term. "Vietnam will certainly continue to make important contributions to the Human Rights Council, making its mark in 2024 and beyond, contributing to building a strong, comprehensive, modern, professional Vietnamese foreign affairs and diplomacy and raising the level of multilateral foreign affairs...", Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet affirmed.
On February 26, attending the high-level meeting of the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (Geneva, Switzerland), Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son reaffirmed Vietnam's priorities when participating in the Human Rights Council, including protecting vulnerable groups, gender equality, digital transformation and human rights. To continue "Vietnam's positive contributions, strong commitments and willingness to contribute", Minister Bui Thanh Son announced and called on countries to support Vietnam's re-election as a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term.

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