Vietnam, Switzerland convene human rights dialogue

Bern (VNA) – The 14th round of the annual human rights dialogue between Vietnam and Switzerland recently took place in Bern city, Switzerland in a candid, sincere and constructive manner.

The Vietnamese delegation to the dialogue was led by Director of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Organisations Vu Anh Quang, while Ambassador Nicole Wyrsch, special envoy for human rights from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs headed the Swiss delegation.

The two sides informed each other of their achievements and the challenges they face in promoting and ensuring human rights since the previous dialogue round in November 2015.

They shared experience in human rights issues of shared concern, especially in building the law-governed State; judicial reform, especially criminal procedures; the rights to freedom of speech, gathering, association formation; the rights of vulnerable groups in society, especially the disabled and ethnic minorities.

The two sides also discussed enhancing cooperation at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The Swiss side spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts and progress in ensuring human rights over the past time and committed to giving further assistance to Vietnam in judicial reform and ensuring the right of vulnerable groups.

The dialogue contributed to enhancing mutual understanding and promoting the friendship between Vietnam and Switzerland, particularly when the two countries have just celebrated the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

On October 19, the Vietnamese delegation visited Bern city’s police department and a facility for the disabled.-VNA