In a post on the website of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam on the occasion of World Human Rights Day (December 10), Ms. Sabina Stein, Head of Governance and Participation (UNDP Vietnam), said that UNDP welcomes Vietnam's commitment to international cooperation in ensuring and promoting human rights. Vietnam's participation in these mechanisms is a testament to Vietnam's long-term international human rights cooperation.
Vietnam has ratified seven out of nine core international human rights instruments, including the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). By ratifying these conventions, Vietnam has committed to aligning its national frameworks with international standards and participating in regular review processes.
According to Ms. Stein, 2025 will bring many opportunities for Vietnam to participate in the human rights dialogue. In March, Vietnam will participate in the meeting of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), followed by a review session before the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in July. In October, Vietnam will present its report before the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
One of the clearest signs of Vietnam’s openness to human rights cooperation is its participation in the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR). During the fourth UPR cycle, which was completed in October this year, Vietnam accepted 271 out of 320 recommendations (an acceptance rate of 85%), with 253 recommendations being fully accepted. This demonstrates Vietnam’s readiness to engage constructively in the dialogue on human rights with the international community.
Vietnam is developing a National Master Plan for the Fourth UPR, which will guide implementation over the next five years. Building on the previous Master Plan from the Third UPR, the new plan should clearly define responsibilities for the new governance structures, as well as budgets, timelines, and monitoring and evaluation indicators, Stein said.
Vietnam’s role as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (2023-2025) is another demonstration of Vietnam’s commitment to international human rights cooperation. During its tenure, Vietnam sponsored resolutions commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and calling for a rights-based approach to climate change action. Looking to the future, Vietnam has announced its candidacy for a second term on the Human Rights Council (2026-2028), demonstrating its intention to remain an active member of the international human rights system.
UNDP also highlighted the value of the 2024 visit to Viet Nam by the Special Rapporteur on the right to development and encouraged future visits by competent authorities to enhance dialogue and cooperation between the Government of Viet Nam and UN human rights mechanisms.
Ms. Stein affirmed that UNDP welcomes Vietnam's participation in international human rights mechanisms, as a signal affirming the value of protecting and participating in a rights-based order. "Turning commitments into action requires political will, a clear roadmap and supporting resources. UNDP is ready to support Vietnam in these efforts. Our partnership is built on trust and commitment to comprehensive, people-centered development," Ms. Stein emphasized.
