Ambassador highlights Vietnam's 'Red Thread' at the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term
WVR - Speaking with The World and Vietnam Report, 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 (Switzerland), affirmed that Vietnam's election as a member of the Human Rights Council is not a title, but a significant responsibility. Vietnam will continue to contribute in the spirit of respect and understanding, dialogue and cooperation, and ensuring all human rights for all people.
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| Ambassador Mai Phan Dung - Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam in Geneva (center) speaks at a discussion session within the framework of the Dialogue Session on the National Report on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) at the 144th Session of the Human Rights Committee in Geneva, Switzerland, July 2025. (Photo: VNA) |
Ambassador, could you share the key activities and notable initiatives that our Delegation has implemented during Vietnam's past term at the United Nations Human Rights Council? How have these efforts contributed to the overall success of the term and laid the groundwork for Vietnam's re-election to the Council in the new term?
In Geneva, our Delegation's participation with the Human Rights Council has always been guided by a consistent motto: constructive, consistent, and keeping the Council focused on practical solutions to improve people's lives.
Firstly, we work based on a clear system of priorities, ensuring Vietnam's participation throughout the membership term is maintained in a stable and proactive manner.
Secondly, we invest heavily in inter-regional cooperation and consensus-based outcomes, as in a divided world, trust can only be built when nations can still agree on practical steps.
In that spirit, Vietnam has submitted, on behalf of inter-regional core groups, the Resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, as well as the Resolution on climate change and human rights, focusing on just transition. Both resolutions were adopted by consensus, with wide co-sponsorship.
Thirdly, we lead joint inter-regional statements, such as the statement on accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote gender equality, and the statement on vaccination and human rights, thereby maintaining attention to cooperation, inclusivity, and the practical needs of life.
Fourthly, we also participate through international forums and other related activities of the Council to share experiences and learn from partners – which is crucial for credibility and persuasiveness.
The culmination of these efforts has helped reinforce the belief that Vietnam is capable of working with different regions, bridging differences, and contributing responsibly to common priorities.
Vietnam's re-election to the Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term, with the highest votes in the Asia-Pacific Group, is not only recognition of domestic progress but also acknowledgment of our approach in Geneva: respect, substance, and cooperation. We see this as trust built through persistent effort, and also as a responsibility to continue to promote in the upcoming term. Vietnam will uphold that spirit of cooperation and welcomes partners to work with us on practical initiatives.
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| Ambassador Mai Phan Dung delivered many important speeches throughout the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. |
Reflecting on the past journey, what are the most valuable lessons Vietnam has learned from the previous term at the United Nations Human Rights Council, and how will these lessons continue to be applied in the upcoming term?
If I were to summarize the lessons learned from the 2023 - 2025 period, they are all encapsulated in the motto that has guided our activities: "Respect and Understanding – Dialogue and Cooperation – All Human Rights for All People."
Firstly, Respect and Understanding: trust at the Council begins with how we listen. Even when perspectives differ, showing respect, speaking with goodwill, and acknowledging the specific circumstances of each country help create space where progress becomes possible.
Secondly, Dialogue and Cooperation: early consultation and prioritizing solutions that can unite rather than divide. In practice, this means working across regions, maintaining balanced language, and promoting technical cooperation, as sustainable outcomes can only be built through partnerships, not pressure.
Thirdly, All Human Rights for All People: a comprehensive approach is essential. Civil and political rights, as well as economic, social, cultural rights, and the right to development, complement each other in practical life. Therefore, we view United Nations mechanisms, such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), as tools for continuous improvement, while continuing to engage with treaties and Special Procedures in an open and responsible spirit.
In the 2026 - 2028 term, we will continue to apply these lessons with humility, collaborating with all partners to keep the Council effective and focused on substantive cooperation.
During the 2023 - 2025 term, Vietnam pursued eight priority areas. Could the Ambassador elaborate on how these priorities will continue to be maintained and promoted in the future?
This is a very practical question.
These eight priorities are the "red thread" throughout our upcoming term, including: enhancing the effectiveness of the Human Rights Council alongside promoting international law; addressing human rights issues in the context of climate change and digital transformation; preventing violence and discrimination; strengthening the protection of vulnerable groups; promoting gender equality; and ensuring the right to healthcare, labor rights, the right to quality education, and human rights education.
Regarding the effectiveness of the Council and international law, we will continue to support approaches that make the Council more practical, results-oriented, reduce duplication, prioritize dialogue, and promote technical cooperation when nations need it.
For climate change and digital transformation, we will promote a balanced approach: protecting human rights during the transition, sharing experiences, and coordinating with partners to ensure no one is left behind, especially more vulnerable communities or those with fewer resources.
Regarding gender equality, protecting vulnerable groups, preventing violence and discrimination, as well as core social rights such as health, employment, and education, we will continue to engage actively, prioritizing inclusive initiatives that can build broad consensus across regions.
For us, these eight priorities are a commitment to contribute responsibly to global common concerns, in the spirit of respect and understanding, dialogue and cooperation, for all human rights for all people. We look forward to collaborating with all partners to transform these priorities into substantive cooperation and common progress.
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| Vietnam's message on human rights is consistent: human rights are universal, but their implementation must be practical and connected to people's lives. (Photo: Le Thanh) |
Could the Ambassador share Vietnam's readiness for the new term at the United Nations Human Rights Council? From this important milestone, could you convey a broader message about Vietnam's multilateral diplomacy, as well as Vietnam's consistent commitment to protecting and promoting human rights?
Readiness here means continuity and seriousness.
We are not starting the 2026-2028 term from scratch, but building on the foundation of experience from previous terms, while enhancing coordination mechanisms to ensure Vietnam's participation in Geneva is always timely, consistent, and focused.
Regarding the broader message, Vietnam's multilateral diplomacy aims to be a reliable and responsible partner. We believe multilateralism is indispensable, especially in the current context, where the impacts of climate change, public health, inequality, and digital space pose challenges that no country can solve alone.
Vietnam's message on human rights is consistent: human rights are universal, but their implementation must be practical and connected to people's lives. Therefore, we focus on rights most closely tied to people's daily lives, such as the right to healthcare, education, and sustainable employment, because effective implementation is what makes human rights tangible. Internationally, Vietnam continues to constructively engage with United Nations mechanisms; currently a member of 7 out of 9 core human rights conventions and has ratified 25 International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
Thus, re-election to the Human Rights Council for the 2026 - 2028 term is both an honor and a responsibility, and we are determined to reinforce that trust through constructive contributions. Vietnam will continue to collaborate with all partners to promote the motto "all human rights for all people" through dialogue and substantive cooperation.
On Human Rights Day, could the Ambassador share the core message you wish to emphasize about human rights, as well as your expectations for a better world – where Vietnam will continue to contribute positively and responsibly?
Human Rights Day is a reminder that human rights are a universal aspiration and a common value of humanity, and these rights are best protected when nations choose dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over division.
For a better world, the expectation is simple: less conflict, more trust, and more practical solidarity, especially for the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and communities heavily impacted by climate change.
That is also why Vietnam has supported and initiated many activities at the Council to link human rights with existing global challenges, including a consensus approach reflected in resolutions such as the Resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, as well as the Resolution on climate change and human rights, focusing on just transition.
And finally, being elected as a member of the Human Rights Council is not a title, but a significant responsibility. Vietnam will continue to contribute in the spirit we have always persistently promoted: respect and understanding, dialogue and cooperation, and ensuring all human rights for all people.
Thank you very much, Ambassador!
