Vietnam Constantly Promotes the Protection of Human Rights

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Ambassador Mai Phan Dung at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (Photo: VNA)

Commitment to Promote and Protect Human Rights

Speaking during the general debate at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and other international organizations in Geneva, reaffirmed Vietnam's dedication to advancing and safeguarding human rights. The Ambassador highlighted that Vietnam completed the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in September 2024 and is now developing a master plan to implement its accepted recommendations. In 2025, Vietnam will engage in dialogues on national reports regarding its adherence to significant international human rights conventions, including the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung emphasized Vietnam’s willingness to collaborate with partners to advance a comprehensive and constructive human rights agenda rooted in dialogue and cooperation. This commitment reinforces Vietnam's steadfast determination to respect, protect, and promote fundamental human rights and freedoms, as well as its adherence to international legal and institutional frameworks on human rights, reflecting its role as an active and responsible member of the global community.

Since joining the United Nations in 1977, Vietnam has ratified the majority of fundamental international conventions on human rights, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT).

In addition to these key agreements, Vietnam has acceded to numerous other international conventions related to human rights protection and humanitarian law. These efforts underscore Vietnam's commitment to upholding international human rights standards. Beyond its participation, Vietnam consistently fulfills its responsibilities as a member state, including incorporating the provisions of international treaties into national legislation. This has resulted in the progressive development of comprehensive and specific regulations on human rights within Vietnam's legal framework.

Notably, the 2013 Constitution represents a significant milestone in Vietnam’s constitutional efforts to enshrine human rights. It dedicates 36 out of its 120 articles to defining human rights, as well as the rights and obligations of citizens. Complemented by related laws and regulations, the Constitution provides a robust foundation for promoting and safeguarding human rights. Since its adoption, Vietnam has amended, supplemented, or promulgated over 100 legal documents and ordinances to ensure the protection of human rights and citizens' rights in practice.

Creating the Strength of National Solidarity

Vietnam has consistently upheld its international commitments and enacted legal frameworks to promote and protect human rights. With an increasingly comprehensive legal foundation, the Party and State have dedicated unrelenting efforts to advancing human rights. Since initiating the renovation process in 1986, Vietnam has achieved remarkable progress in nation-building, including significant strides in ensuring human rights.

The country’s achievements in human rights have translated into tangible benefits for its citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind in the development journey. As Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh remarked, "The greatest human right in Vietnam is to care for 100 million people to be prosperous and happy, democratic, have a peaceful life, security, safety, and maximize the human factor."

Through visionary policies, Vietnam’s economy has seen extraordinary growth—from just 14 billion USD in 1985 to 476 billion USD in 2024, ranking 5th in Southeast Asia and 34th globally. Alongside economic success, the Party and State have consistently prioritized a development strategy that leaves no one behind, as outlined in the 13th National Party Congress: "Take people as the center of development and share the achievements of the economic development process," while refusing to compromise the environment or social security for economic gains.

From 2019 to 2024, the national poverty rate declined by 1.5% annually, reaching 1.93% in September 2024. Efforts to eradicate temporary and dilapidated housing have garnered positive results, mobilizing over 6,000 billion VND in a short period. Vulnerable groups—including women, children, the elderly, the disabled, ethnic minorities, and those living with HIV/AIDS—remain central to the Party’s policies, ensuring their needs are addressed.

Vietnam's Human Development Index (HDI) has grown by an impressive average of 1.36% annually over the past 30 years, placing it among the fastest-growing HDI countries in the world. Key indicators, such as life expectancy, literacy rates, and per capita income, reflect how economic progress has directly improved the quality of life for the majority of Vietnamese people.

The country currently ranks 54th out of 166 in the Sustainable Development Index, a one-place improvement from 2023. Health insurance coverage has also risen significantly, from 90.9% in 2000 to 94.1% today. According to the United Nations World Happiness Report 2024, Vietnam’s happiness index improved by 11 places, ranking 54th out of 143 countries.

Reflecting on Vietnam’s journey in human rights and development, General Secretary To Lam, in a message to the National Scientific Conference "Humans and Human Rights as the Center, Goal, Subject, and Driving Force of National Development" in October 2024, stated: "Implementing a consistent viewpoint on human rights is a key factor in creating the strength of the great national unity bloc, combining national strength with the strength of the times. Under the leadership of the Party, this unshakable unity has guided the Vietnamese revolutionary boat to overcome every rapid and achieve victory after victory."

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