Opening of the 60th UNHRC session: Vietnam affirms support for UN efforts amid global challenges
WVR - Held in Geneva (Switzerland) from September 8 to October 8, the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) marks the final regular session of the year and also the last session Vietnam attends as a UNHRC member for the 2023-2025 term.
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| Ambassador Mai Phan Dung speaks at the general discussion on the High Commissioner's update report on the global human rights situation on September 9. |
On September 9, within the framework of the 60th regular session of the UNHRC, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and other international organizations in Geneva, delivered a speech during the general discussion on the update report by High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on the global human rights situation.
In his speech, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung affirmed support for the efforts of the UN, the High Commissioner, and related agencies in promoting and protecting human rights amid current global challenges, including climate change, ensuring human rights in cyberspace, and the emergence of new technologies.
Ambassador Mai Phan Dung highlighted Vietnam's development policy, which is currently pursuing a profound transformation towards sustainable and inclusive development, placing human rights at the core of its policies and practices.
Additionally, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung informed that Vietnam has recently successfully completed the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), successfully defended national reports on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and is preparing reports on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).
The Ambassador affirmed that these efforts demonstrate the strong commitment of Vietnam's entire political system to fulfilling international obligations. Consequently, Vietnam has decided to run for the UNHRC for the 2026-2028 term, with solid support from ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific Group. The Ambassador also reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to promoting sincere dialogue and constructive cooperation with all countries and UN mechanisms, in line with universal, fair, objective, non-selective, and non-interference principles.
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| The High Commissioner for Human Rights presents the update report on the global human rights situation, September 8. |
Earlier, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk presented the update report on the global human rights situation to the UNHRC, emphasizing the need to protect 80 years of achievements in freedom, equality, and justice. He expressed deep concern over the decline in human rights, with international law being violated or detached from enforcement; warning about the harm to civilians in conflicts, restrictions on humanitarian aid access, and lack of accountability.
Among the highlights of the global human rights situation, the High Commissioner acknowledged the progress of several countries, including Vietnam, for abolishing the death penalty for eight specific crimes. This is seen as a significant step in protecting the right to life and aligns with the global trend of reducing the death penalty.
The High Commissioner also pointed out serious human rights violations occurring in Ukraine, Gaza Strip, Sudan, and many other places, where civilians suffer severe consequences from wars such as fatalities, loss of property, and living in instability. He warned that without concrete international action, human rights achievements are at risk of being reversed.
He called on countries to recommit to universal values, international human rights and humanitarian law, enhance accountability, transparency, multilateral cooperation, and provide stronger support for civil society. According to the High Commissioner, only a human rights-based approach can ensure a fair, peaceful, and sustainable future for everyone.
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| Ambassador Mai Phan Dung and Vietnamese delegation attend the opening of the 60th UNHRC session, September 8. |
Held in Geneva from September 8 to October 8, the 60th UNHRC session is the final regular session of the year and also the last session Vietnam attends as a UNHRC member for the 2023-2025 term.
This session features an extensive agenda, including six thematic discussions on economic, cultural, and social rights in addressing inequalities, quality education for peace and tolerance for all children, the right to development, state responsibility regarding the role of the family in supporting the human rights of family members, gender equality integration in the UNHRC's work; discussions on 95 thematic reports, as well as discussions and dialogues with 37 special procedures of the UNHRC and UN human rights mechanisms. Accordingly, Vietnam is preparing a joint statement for the discussion on promoting human rights and access to healthcare through vaccination. Additionally, Vietnam actively participates in organizing thematic discussions and consulting on decisions and resolutions.
This session also includes discussions and dialogues on the human rights situation in 19 countries and territories, including Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Sudan, Belarus, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nicaragua, Russia, Venezuela, Central African Republic, Haiti, Somalia, Libya, Cambodia, Ukraine, Yemen, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Syria, and Myanmar.
During this session, the UNHRC is also expected to complete the procedure for the adoption of the fourth cycle UPR reports of 14 countries; as well as consult and consider the adoption of approximately 34 draft resolutions; and consider the appointment of one personnel for the UNHRC's special procedures.
