Opening of the conference 'External information on human rights in the new context'
WVR/VNA - On the morning of December 19, in Hanoi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, Deputy Head of the Steering Committee on Human Rights, attended and delivered the opening speech at the conference titled 'External information on human rights in the new context'.
Latest
 |
| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, Deputy Head of the Steering Committee on Human Rights, attends the opening session of the conference "External Communication on Human rights in the New Context'. (Photo: Anh Sơn) |
The conference, organized by The World and Vietnam Report in collaboration with the Standing Office of the Steering Committee on Human Rights, commemorates the 76th anniversary of International Human Rights Day (December 10, 1948–December 10, 2024).
| More from WVR |
 Vietnam announces candidacy for next-term UN Human Rights Council: Deputy Foreign Minister |
Mr. Nguyen Truong Son, Editor-in-Chief of The World and Vietnam Report, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Representative of the Standing Office of the Steering Committee on Human Rights and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam Human Rights Magazine, chaired the event.
Nearly 80 delegates attended the conference, including representatives from key agencies involved in external information on human rights, such as the Standing Office of the Government Steering Committee on Human Rights, the Central Propaganda Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the Academy of Journalism and Communication, Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, and various media outlets.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet emphasized that alongside the country's tremendous achievements, communication on human rights and external information have been vigorously implemented with the guidance and participation of the entire political system.
However, the Deputy Minister highlighted challenges in external information on human rights that need to be addressed, such as: Overemphasis on combating and refuting misinformation without sufficiently focusing on proactive communication, trust-building, and generating positive narratives; slow and reactive communication on human rights issues compared to foreign media; objective impacts stemming from international and regional developments.
 |
| Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet emphasized the need for "new approaches" to enhance external communication efforts in the field of human rights in Vietnam today. (Photo: Anh Sơn) |
The Deputy Minister proposed "new approaches" to enhance external communication on human rights in Vietnam today
Firstly, the Deputy Minister emphasized that implementing external communication efforts, including those related to human rights, must be recognized as a political task. It requires uniformity and consistency in perception, as well as innovation in mindset and methods across all levels.
Secondly, he highlighted the need for more creative approaches in external communication, particularly on human rights, to effectively engage foreign audiences, policymakers, and the international community. This includes leveraging social media platforms to convey desired messages in an impactful manner.
Thirdly, the Deputy Minister noted that domestic communication on human rights must exhibit sensitivity to international dynamics, taking into account the timing, context, and Vietnam's diplomatic relations with other countries.
Fourthly, he suggested that external communication strategies on human rights should focus on areas where Vietnam has achieved significant progress, such as poverty reduction, gender equality, children’s rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, and access to education and healthcare. He proposed sharing specific, relatable stories about individuals and communities to enhance persuasiveness and resonance among international audiences.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration with international organizations and foreign media in external communication efforts. This cooperation aims to defend and promote human rights in Vietnam, bolster the country's national image, raise global awareness of Vietnam's human rights situation, and foster a fair and balanced dialogue on international platforms.
 |
| Overview of the conference "External Communication on Human Rights in the New Context." (Photo: Anh Sơn) |
In her opening remarks, Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong agreed with the comments and directives of Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet. She also affirmed that, in recent years, Vietnam has made significant achievements in ensuring and promoting human rights, which have been recognized by the international community, thereby contributing to enhancing the country's position on the global stage.
In the context of hostile and extremist forces intensifying their efforts to undermine Vietnam in the fields of democracy and human rights, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong emphasized the critical role of external communication.
She also highlighted its importance in helping the international community correctly and thoroughly understand the perspectives, policies, and achievements of the Party and State regarding human rights. This communication also plays a key role in countering and refuting misinformation and distortions, thereby garnering support for the country’s efforts in building, defending, and developing the nation.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong further stressed that external communication on human rights is facing new demands and challenges, necessitating innovation in both content and methods, especially as the country enters a new era of dynamic growth.
The conference, held in the morning, consisted of two sessions: "External Information and Human Rights: Where is the Connection?" and "Solutions to Promote External Communication on Human Rights in the New Context".
 |
| Delegates pose for a commemorative photo at the opening session of the workshop "External Communication on Human Rights in the New Context." (Photo: Anh Sơn) |
