Vietnam made substantive contributions to the newly-concluded 26th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, affirming the country’s resolve to promote human rights.

During the three-week session, which was concluded on June 27, UNHRC had various discussions on many important matters such as the protection of vulnerable groups, especially women, children and the disabled; and impact of some global issues like climate change, immigration, dire poverty, human trafficking, and the Internet development.

The council also considered the human rights situation in some countries; and debated measures to increase technical support in ensuring and promoting human rights in others.

During the event, many countries and international organisations spoke highly of speeches by Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh, head of the Vietnamese delegation, which touched upon some areas of global concerned like gender equality, children’s rights, poverty reduction, and the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals.

They also valued Vietnam’s balanced and comprehensive approach which aims to boost dialogue and cooperation in respect of international law and legitimate rights of relevant sides.

As a member of the UNHRC, Vietnam actively gave opinions on draft resolutions and co-sponsored nine others, particularly those regarding gender equality, protection of vulnerable groups, and education and health rights.

Ambassador Thanh said during the 26 th session, the UNHRC approved the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on human rights of 14 countries, including Vietnam.

Almost all participants hailed Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in ensuring human rights, as well as support for most of recommendations, and constructive attitude in the UPR progress and human rights process in Vietnam, he said.

Notably, they welcomed Vietnam National Assembly’s adoption of the 2013 Constitution, which highlights human rights, Thanh added.-VNA