The 14th informal seminar on human rights of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Forum will take place in Hanoi on November 18-21, serving as an important channel for the two continents to increase dialogues and mutual understanding on the issue.

The event, the first of its kind in Vietnam, will be held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Ministries of Public Security, Industry and Trade, and Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics; the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour; and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).

The hosting of the seminar, themed “Human Rights and Businesses”, is expected to make active contributions to realising the Vietnamese Party and State’s policy on international integration, especially in protecting human rights, as well as promoting the country’s achievements in the field.

This also demonstrates Vietnam’s respect for human rights and helps deepen its bilateral relationship with other ASEM member countries.

A sideline workshop on labour agreement and rights will be held during the seminar, expected to draw around 120 delegates from ASEM nations and non-governmental organisations.

The first informal ASEM seminar on human rights was held in 1997 under the initiative of Sweden and France. Its coordination board includes seven members, namely France, Sweden, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, the European Committee and the ASEF.-VNA