Event marks International Human Rights Day, launches new cycle of UPR
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on December 12 held a ceremony in Hanoi to mark the International Human Rights Day and launch Vietnam’s universal periodical review (UPR) process for the fourth cycle.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairsand the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on December 12 held a ceremony in Hanoi to mark the InternationalHuman Rights Day and launch Vietnam’s universal periodical review (UPR) processfor the fourth cycle.
Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs HaKim Ngoc held that Vietnam, sharing progressive ideas on human rights asaffirmed by the UN in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and otherimportant documents, has been determined to develop and implement policies on theprotection and promotion of the rights, achieving outstanding results recognisedand appreciated by the international community.
As a result, Vietnam was recently elected to the UNHuman Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2023-2025 tenure, the diplomat noted.
The nation has to date completed 82.6% of recommendationsfrom the 3rd cycle of its UPR process and is to complete the workload andlaunch the preparations for the building of the national report on the 4thcycle in 2023, he said.
He requested UN agencies, development partners and relatedparties continue accompanying and cooperating with Vietnam to complete theprocess on schedule with the highest quality.
At the event (Photo: VNA)
UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis said the nation’selection to the UNHRC demonstrates concrete efforts to protect and promoteeconomic, social, cultural, civil and political rights in accordance withinternational human rights standards.
Echoing the view, UNDP Resident Representative in VietnamRamla Khalidi said the UNDP will continue to accompany and support Vietnam in the 4th cycle through capacity building for ministries, sectors and all stakeholders,especially NGOs and youth./.
By successfully implementing people-centred policies, Vietnam has obtained remarkable achievements in ensuring human rights, thus winning recognition and valuation from the international community.
Knowledge about human rights will be put into the curriculum of all the educational institutes by 2025, heard a press briefing by the Ministry of Information and Communications’ Department of External Affairs and Human Rights on November 17.
The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has issued a document asking ministries, ministerial-level agencies, Governmental agencies, People's Committees of provinces and central-level cities, and central committees of mass organisations to implement a number of tasks to materialise a project on communication on human rights in Vietnam.
A conference was held in Hanoi on December 8 to update the implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) third cycle recommendations in the fields of labour and society.
Among Vietnam’s pledges as part of its election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), it is encouraging that the country prioritised upholding its commitments and obligations under the international human rights treaties, of which Vietnam has ratified seven out of nine, according to UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc speaks at the event (Photo: VNA) 
At the event (Photo: VNA) 
