Geneva (VNA) – The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on September 27 adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)’s fourth cycle for Vietnam, as part of its 57th regular session.
This adoption marked the completion of the fourth cycle review regarding the protection and promotion of human rights in Vietnam and paved the way for the next phase of implementing recommendations.
Led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, the Vietnamese delegation presented the country's stance on the recommendations made in the fourth-cycle UPR. They also provided updates on Vietnam's human rights situation and highlighted the country's efforts to ensure the safety, stability and swift recovery of livelihoods and production for people during and after typhoon Yagi.
The event drew around 90 representatives from various countries, international and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with consultative status to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), including Vietnamese NGOs.
Viet informed the UNHRC of Vietnam's decision to accept 271 out of the 320 recommendations made by countries at the May 2024 dialogue session on its national report, achieving an acceptance rate of 84.7%, the highest across the four UPR cycles.
Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and promoting human rights, as well as its respect for the UPR mechanism and the UNHRC. This stance was developed through a careful review of the recommendations, with the full involvement of relevant agencies, he said.
A comprehensive plan to follow these recommendations will be built and launched with the full involvement of all stakeholders, based on the spirit of dialogue and cooperation, Viet said.
In its update to the UNHRC on the protection and promotion of human rights, Hung highlighted Vietnam's ongoing efforts to strengthen relevant legal frameworks by promulgating and amending several key laws related to human and civil rights. Significant progress has also been made in gender equality, empowering women, and protecting vulnerable groups, he noted.
The official also spotlighted Vietnam’s 2024 amnesty policy, which will grant clemency to thousands of prisoners, helping them reintegrate into society and make positive contributions to the community.
Representatives of various countries, international organisations, and NGOs praised Vietnam’s serious participation throughout the UPR process, particularly for accepting a high proportion of recommendations and developing a well-structured follow-up plan.
They also commended Vietnam’s impressive achievements in protecting and promoting human rights, especially amid challenges such as the pandemic, climate change and natural disasters.
Vietnam’s progress in multiple areas was acknowledged, including improving institutions and laws relating to human rights, socio-economic development, innovation, sustainable poverty reduction, and ensuring social welfare and the rights of vulnerable groups. Many countries encouraged Vietnam to continue leveraging its experiences and best practices in carrying out the UPR recommendations./.
