The foreign minister emphasized the significance of this great event. He said that along with security, peace and development, the promotion and protection of human rights is one of the three main pillars of the U.N. The UNHRC is the most important mechanism on human rights within the U.N. system and a forum for dialogue, cooperation and promotion of human rights in countries from all over the world.

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Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (Photo: Tran Doan)

The Vietnamese diplomat said that the Party and State of Vietnam consistently identify the people as the center, the actor, the most important resource, and the goal of the developmental process. This well-founded view has been concretized in the country's socio-economic development plans and strategies, and is also institutionalized under the Constitution and the law. In particular, human rights, and citizens' political, civil, economic, cultural and social rights are recognized, respected, protected and ensured pursuant to the Constitution and the law.

“As an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam always seriously and fully implements its international commitments on human rights, and makes all efforts to promote human rights domestically and internationally. Vietnam successfully fulfilled its UNHRC membership for the 2014-2016 tenure, and actively promoted dialogue and cooperation in this process. Such efforts left positive impressions and are highly appreciated by the international community,” he said.

Therefore, Vietnam's election to the UNHRC for the 2023-2025 tenure is of great importance in various ways, FM Son stressed.

Firstly, it helps reaffirm Vietnam’s sound and consistent position and policy on the special importance attached to the human factor and on how best Vietnam can take advantage of the human element in national development, closely combine economic growth with cultural and human development, and ensure social progress and justice. It is also a testament to Vietnam's huge achievements in upholding the people's right to mastery, and our respect for, and protection and championing of human and civic rights according to the Constitution and the law.

Secondly, it contributes to realizing the foreign policy set by the 13th National Party Congress that the multilateral diplomacy will be lifted to a higher level and Vietnam actively participates and proactively engages in instrumental multilateral forums of strategic significance in order to enhance Vietnam's global position and prestige. Vietnam's election to the UNHRC proves Vietnam's tireless efforts in fulfilling its international human rights commitments and is a confirmation of the international community's support, trust and expectation for Vietnam's important and responsible contribution to the advancement of human rights worldwide.

This event is more significant as this year marks the 45th anniversary of Vietnam's admission to the U.N. This will be a great opportunity for Vietnam to continue making active contribution to the common efforts of the U.N. and the international community in protecting and promoting the universal values of human rights, striving together for peace, national independence, democracy, and development cooperation and social progress.

Thirdly, Vietnam's active participation in and contribution to the UNHRC will send a strong message of a peace-loving Vietnam that upholds humanistic and humanitarian values. It will also help Vietnamese ministries and departments at all levels, its people and international friends have a more complete, accurate and deeper understanding of Vietnam's guidelines, policies and achievements in human rights. In addition, it enables Vietnam to call for the support, advice, and experience sharing from the U.N. and other international partners in order to better uphold human rights, civic rights, and the people's right to mastery in the new period of national development.

In summary, Vietnam’s election to the UNHRC for the second times is the combination of the efforts of the entire Party, people, ministries and departments at all levels, and the entire political system in implementing the Party and State’s sound guideline and policies on national development and international integration. This success is attributed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the external relations organs, other competent ministries and departments’ thorough preparations, and effective advocacy at different levels and through various channels, especially the high-level diplomatic channel and via the Vietnamese missions to the U.N.

Regarding the directions and priorities of Vietnam in its upcoming term on the UNHRC, FM Son said that Vietnam’s national posture and strength after 35 years of Doi Moi (Renewal) with sound policies and position, and experience accumulated since its previous terms as a member of the U.N. Security Council and the UNHRC are important foundation for Vietnam to confidently performing its duties at the UNHRC for the 2023-2025 tenure.

The diplomat confirmed that as a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member, Vietnam will continue to work closely with fellow member states and make substantial contribution to the common work of the UNHRC. These include advancing dialogue and international cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding, and promoting human rights taking into account the particular conditions and legitimate needs and interests of countries, especially developing countries.

He added that Vietnam will join hands with other member states to advance initiatives and solutions for the right to live in peace, right to development, rights of vulnerable groups, gender equality, right to access to healthcare, education and employment, and response to climate change and epidemics, among others. In its 2023-2025 term, Vietnam will perform its reporting obligation under the 4th Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and other international conventions on promoting civil and political rights, fighting discrimination, and championing the rights of women and persons with disabilities.

With the consensus and close coordination within the entire political system under the leadership of the Party and the administration of the State, alongside the support of the international community, Vietnam will certainly fulfill its duties at the UNHRC. Vietnam will join 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, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed.

Translated by Chung Anh