Closing of 59th session of UNHRC with practical contributions of Vietnam to advancement of human rights in the world
WVR - On July 8, at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) concluded its 59th regular session, with 26 resolutions and decisions adopted, including two resolutions proposed and drafted by Vietnam as a member of the Core Group.
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| The Vietnamese delegation at the session to approve two Resolutions that we participated in proposing and drafting, on July 8. (Source: Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to the UN in Geneva) |
The 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), held from June 16 to July 8, attracted the participation of a large number of representatives from countries, inter-governmental international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The session featured five thematic discussions, multiple debates, dialogues with 35 special procedures and UN human rights mechanisms, as well as numerous consultations on draft resolutions.
As a result of the session, the UNHRC adopted 26 resolutions and decisions, appointed two special procedure mandate holders, and completed the adoption procedure of the 4th cycle UPR reports for 14 countries. The Vietnamese delegation, led by Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, actively participated in the session.
On July 8, the UNHRC officially adopted by consensus two resolutions co-sponsored and co-drafted by Vietnam and other countries. The first was the resolution on climate change and human rights, focusing on climate finance, which received co-sponsorship from more than 63 countries (as of the end of July 8, local time). This was the result of a broad and inclusive consultation and advocacy process led by the Bangladesh delegation, with Viet Nam and the Philippines as core partners.
Next, the Council adopted the resolution on "Enhancing international cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity-building to strengthen national frameworks for the protection and empowerment of children in the digital environment," which received co-sponsorship from over 87 countries (as of the end of July 8, local time). This resolution was also the outcome of broad consultations, led by the Saudi Arabia delegation in collaboration with the delegations of Vietnam, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Kuwait, and Pakistan.
Vietnam has been an active member of the core group — along with Bangladesh and the Philippines — in the process of drafting, consulting, and presenting the annual resolution on climate change and human rights at the UNHRC since 2008.
This year, under the theme "Equitable and effective access to climate finance," the resolution continues to affirm the link between the impacts of climate change and the enjoyment of human rights. It also underscores the need to ensure that climate finance plays a meaningful role in supporting countries most affected by climate change.
Vietnam’s proactive and constructive participation in this resolution demonstrates its commitment to protecting human rights in the context of climate change. It also highlights Viet Nam’s foreign policy of proactive, active, and responsible engagement in addressing global issues.
Regarding the resolution on "Enhancing international cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity-building to strengthen national frameworks for the protection and empowerment of children in the digital environment," the successful adoption of this resolution reflects the growing international concern over the challenges and risks children face online. It also affirms Vietnam’s role and image in addressing emerging and transboundary human rights issues.
Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms the importance of the UN Convention on Cybercrime, which is expected to be held in Hanoi on October 25–26, 2025. This demonstrates Vietnam’s continued role as a proactive, responsible member contributing to the development of international norms at the UNHRC.
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| Ambassador Mai Phan Dung shows Vietnam's image to Ambassadors and international delegates attending the photo exhibition on June 30, 2025. ((Source: Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to the UN in Geneva) |
In addition, the Vietnamese delegation actively participated and delivered statements at various sessions and discussions on topics such as climate change and human rights, combating human trafficking, extreme poverty, access to clean water and sanitation, business and human rights, and the adoption of UPR reports of other countries.
Together with ASEAN countries, the Vietnamese delegation also contributed to a joint ASEAN statement on just transition in the context of climate change.
As part of the session, Vietnam organized a photo exhibition titled “Vietnam: Identity, Humanity, and Integration” at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva from June 30 to July 8, 2025. The exhibition attracted significant interest from international friends, featuring vivid photographs showcasing Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements, efforts to ensure and promote human rights, as well as its rich and diverse cultural identity. This was not only a meaningful cultural diplomacy activity but also a concrete initiative contributing to promoting the image of a dynamic, reforming, and deeply integrated Vietnam.
In addition, on July 3, Vietnam hosted a side event on “Transforming Food Systems to Adapt to Climate Change and Ensure the Right to Food”, co-sponsored by Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Mexico, and attended by over 50 international delegations and major international organizations. The event affirmed Viet Nam’s leading role in promoting human rights in the new context, especially the right to food amid increasingly severe climate change. International participants highly appreciated Vietnam’s efforts and model in food systems transformation, regarding it as a valuable practical experience that could be shared and replicated globally.
Throughout the 59th session, the Vietnamese delegation demonstrated a proactive, constructive, and highly responsible role in all activities of the Council. With a spirit of dialogue and cooperation, the delegation actively engaged in consultations with other countries, contributed ideas, participated in drafting resolution contents, and co-sponsored many important initiatives related to human rights.
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| Ambassador Mai Phan Dung (center) moderated the discussion, flanked by the Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Mexico, the Netherlands in Geneva and a representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, on July 3, 2025. (Photo: Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to the UN in Geneva) |
These substantive contributions clearly reflect Vietnam’s consistent stance and humanitarian policy in promoting and protecting human rights, based on respect for the UN Charter, international law, and international human rights standards.
Vietnam continues to affirm its position and reputation as an active and responsible member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023–2025 term. The country’s prominent efforts during this session serve as strong evidence of its commitment to fostering dialogue, enhancing mutual understanding, and ensuring human rights for all.
At the same time, this lays a solid foundation for Viet Nam’s active preparation for its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term, with the aim of making even more substantial contributions to global issues, in line with its proactive, active, comprehensive, and deeply integrated foreign policy.
(Source: Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to the UN in Geneva)
