The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has approved Vietnam’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on human rights in the second cycle, acknowledging the country’s efforts in protecting and promoting fundamental human rights.

Addressing the June 20 session in Geneva, Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh, head of the Vietnamese delegation, announced the list of recommendations accepted by Vietnam from the 18th session of the UPR Working Group in February this year.

“Among 227 recommendations, Vietnam has supported 182 recommendations, accounting for 80.17 percent. This high percentage of recommendations enjoyed our support has vividly demonstrated Vietnam´s serious forwardness, openness and determination in promotion and protection of human rights,” Trung said.

The diplomat affirmed the supported recommendations arise from Vietnam’s consistent policy and commitments to the international community on human rights, particularly the country’s voluntary commitments as a member of the Human Rights Council.

He emphasised that Vietnam will strictly implement the 182 recommendations.

During the dialogue session, representatives from many countries and organisations hailed Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in ensuring human rights and cooperative and constructive attitude in the UPR progress as well as human rights process in Vietnam.

Some specially welcomed the Vietnam National Assembly’s adoption of the 2013 Constitution with many provisions on human rights and citizens’ rights. They congratulated Vietnam on its early fulfilment of UN Millennium Development Goals, describing it as a model in creating a foundation for fundamental human rights.

In face to speeches by several non-governmental organisations using the UN mechanism to turn down Vietnam’s human rights achievements, Ambassador Trung once again affirmed that Vietnam will continue endeavouring to ensure better human rights while boosting constructive dialogues and cooperation with international organisations, especially UN human rights mechanisms, to reject these erroneous views.-VNA