Along with security, peace, and development, the promotion and protection of human rights constitute one of the three key pillars underpinning the UN. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is the most important human rights mechanism and a forum for dialogue, cooperation, and the promotion of human rights worldwide.

Bui Thanh Son - Minister of Foreign Affairs

In Vietnam, the Party and state identify the people as the centre and purpose of the development process. This well-founded view has been set out in detail in Vietnam’s socioeconomic development plans and strategies, and is also institutionalised under the Constitution and law. Accordingly, human rights, and political, civil, economic, cultural, and social rights are recognised, respected, protected, and ensured.

As a responsible member of the international community, Vietnam fully implements its international commitments on human rights, and makes all efforts to advance human rights domestically and internationally. Vietnam successfully fulfilled its UNHRC membership for 2014-2016, and promoted dialogue and cooperation in the process. Such efforts left positive impressions and were well-regarded.

Vietnam’s election to the UNHRC for 2023-2025 is of great importance Firstly, it helps reaffirm Vietnam’s sound position and policy on the special importance of the human factor and on how best it can harness this in national development. This holds that economic growth must be closely linked with cultural and human development, and social progress and justice must be upheld. It is also a testament to Vietnam’s immense achievements in upholding people’s right to self-determination, and our respect for, and protection and championing of human and civic values.

Next, it contributes to the foreign policy line set by the 13th National Party Congress. The policy calls for the elevation of multilateral diplomacy, participation, and engagement at instrumental multilateral forums of strategic significance as a channel to enhance Vietnam’s global standing. Vietnam’s election to the UNHRC stands as testimony to the country’s tireless efforts in fulfilling its international human rights commitments. It is also a confirmation of the international community’s support, trust, and expectation for Vietnam given its important contributions to advancing human rights.

This event is more significant as this year marks the 45th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to the UN. This will be a great opportunity for the country to continue the common efforts of the UN and the international community in protecting and advancing universal human rights values while striving for peace, national independence, democracy, development, and social progress.

Lastly, Vietnam’s participation in and contributions to the UNHRC will broadcast a strong message of a peace-loving country that champions humanitarian values. It will also be instrumental in helping Vietnam’s agencies at all levels, its people and international friends, gain a more complete and deeper understanding of Vietnam’s position, policy, and achievements in human rights.

In addition, it enables Vietnam to call on the support, advice, and experience of the UN and other international partners to better uphold human rights, civic rights, and the people’s right to self-determination.

The fact that Vietnam was elected for the second time to the UNHRC is the culmination of the efforts of the Party, people, ministries, and agencies at all levels, and the entire political system, in implementing the sound policy of the Party and state for national development and international integration.

This success is attributed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, external relations organs, other ministries, and agencies.

Vietnam today enjoys a new national posture and strength after 35 years of doi moi with sound policies and experience accumulated from previous terms. This lays a very important foundation for Vietnam’s confidence in performing its UNHRC mandate for 2023-2025.

We will join hands with other member states to advance initiatives for the right to live in peace, the rights of vulnerable groups, gender equality, as well as access to healthcare, education, and employment.

With the consensus and close coordination of the entire political system, Vietnam will fulfil its mandate at the UNHRC.

We will work alongside the international community to build a world of peace where all people, states, and nations may benefit from the fruits of development and social progress and where no one is left behind.