More than 80 high-level representatives and ministers from member countries and international organisations are expected to attend the meeting, which will last until March 23.
Vietnam's delegation is led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Le Luong Minh
The human rights situation in several countries, including Libya and Syria, will feature high on the Council's agenda.
The nine panel discussions during the meeting will cover issues such as the relation between sport and human rights, freedom of expression on the internet, discriminatory practices in connection with sexual orientation and gender identity, among others.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Vietnam had talks with several countries to prepare for the country's nomination to the Human Rights Council term 2013-2016.
