The Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet announced its stance on the UPR cycle IV recommendations and shared updates on the situation regarding human rights in Vietnam, as well as efforts to ensure safety, stabilize livelihoods, and quickly restore production for the people affected by recent Typhoon Yagi.

The session attracted interest and participation from about 90 representatives of countries, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), including several Vietnamese NGOs.

In his remarks, Viet highlighted severe human and material losses caused by Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam as well as prompt response and recovery efforts by the government. He expressed sincere gratitude to countries, partners, and UN agencies for their support and solidarity during this time.

According to Viet, Vietnam has accepted 271 out of a total of 320 recommendations made by countries during its report presentation in May 2024, recording a rate of 84.7% - the highest in four cycles. It reaffirmed its commitment and consistent policy of the protection and promotion of human rights, as well as its respect for the UPR mechanism and the Human Rights Council.

This stance has been adopted based on a thorough review of the recommendations, with full participation from relevant agencies. A comprehensive plan to implement these recommendations is expected to be developed and carried out with the active involvement of all stakeholders in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation, he said.

Viet updated the Human Rights Council on the protection and promotion of human rights in Vietnam since the presentation and dialogue on Vietnam’s national report. He reaffirmed that Vietnam continues to enhance its legal framework for human rights through the enactment and amendment of several important laws related to human rights and citizen rights.

Despite the severe consequences of Typhoon Yagi, he said the country’s economic growth trajectory remains positively and steadily forecasted, along with the promotion of scientific and technological applications and innovation in production and business, serving as a solid foundation to ensure rights for all citizens. The promotion of gender equality, women empowerment and protection of vulnerable groups have also made positive strides recently.

The Deputy Foreign Minister also shared about the 2024 amnesty policy for thousands of prison inmates, facilitating their reintegration into society and encouraging them to contribute positively to the community.

Representatives from various countries, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) expressed their deep condolences to Vietnam over the losses caused by the typhoon. They praised Vietnam’s serious participation throughout the UPR process, particularly its high rate of acceptance of recommendations and the structured implementation plan.

Acknowledging Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in protecting and promoting human rights, especially in the context of facing numerous challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and natural disasters, the delegates noted the progress made in Vietnam regarding the improvement of institutions and laws related to human rights, socio-economic development, innovation, sustainable poverty reduction, social welfare, and the rights of vulnerable groups.

Many countries encouraged Vietnam to leverage its experiences and best practices in implementing the UPR recommendations. Some NGOs emphasized that they had been given opportunities to contribute to the UPR process in Vietnam, sharing that many of their proposals have been adopted and implemented by the government, particularly in ensuring gender equality, empowering women, and promoting sustainable development.

At the conclusion of the session, the Human Rights Council reached a consensus to adopt the results of Vietnam’s UPR cycle IV report, marking the completion of the review cycle related to the protection and promotion of human rights in Vietnam and moving into the phase of implementing the recommendations.