The 61st regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council just concluded in Geneva (Switzerland) after 6 weeks of continuous working, marking Vietnam's active participation and practical contribution in the context of the world situation continuing to become complicated.
Taking place from February 23 to March 31, 2026, the session faced many challenges as conflicts and instability lasted in many regions of the world. In particular, during the session, new tensions related to the conflict situation in the Middle East led to the Human Rights Council having to convene two emergency discussion sessions on March 25 and March 27.
The session achieved many outstanding results, including the organization of the High-Level Meeting with the participation of more than 120 senior officials from countries, discussing and considering 38 resolutions, organizing many specialized discussion sessions on important human rights issues and completing procedures to pass the results of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle IV of 13 countries.
Throughout the meeting, the Vietnamese delegation actively, proactively and responsibly participated in the consultation process on 38 resolutions, and at the same time implemented two outstanding initiatives.
First, Vietnam built and presented a Joint Statement on Gender Equality in the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the co-sponsorship of 67 countries.The joint statement emphasized the requirement to accelerate the implementation of SDGs to promote gender equality and empower women and girls, by ensuring equal participation in decision-making, strengthening the role in science, technology, digital transformation, peace, security and mobilizing financial resources for gender equality.The statement affirmed that this is an important condition to promote human rights, peace and sustainable development.
Second, Vietnam co-chaired the side event with South Korea, Japan and Thailand on the impact on human rights of online fraud, attracting the attention, participation and widespread support of many countries. At the event, Vietnam shared specific experiences and efforts in responding to online fraud in all 4 aspects: Improving law, improving enforcement capacity, promoting communication to raise awareness and strengthening international cooperation. Vietnam also affirmed its willingness to continue sharing experiences, coordinating with partners to strengthen global response to online fraud, thereby better protecting the rights and interests of the people.
Vietnam also chaired the development and presentation of ASEAN's Joint Statement at the Forum on finance for sustainable development in accordance with economic, social and cultural rights obligations. The Vietnamese delegation also made national statements at many important discussions and dialogues of the session.
The active, proactive and responsible participation of the Vietnamese delegation at the 61st Session continues to consistently affirm Vietnam's guidelines and policies in promoting and protecting human rights. At the same time, this shows Vietnam's willingness to enter the 2026-2028 Human Rights Council membership term with a new mindset, new determination and bravery that has been nurtured through the development achievements and important domestic political milestones of the country.
In the context of the world situation continuing to be complex and unpredictable, Vietnam will continue to work with the international community to promote dialogue and cooperation, uphold respect for international law and the United Nations Charter, protect the common values of humanity and make substantive and responsible contributions to the common efforts for peace, stability, sustainable development and human rights for all.
