Research on Méndez Principles, enhancing the effectiveness of the Convention Against Torture implementation: Workshop
WVR - Researching and considering the appropriate application of the Méndez Principles will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of investigations, ensuring objectivity, transparency, and compliance with Vietnam's international commitments on human rights.
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| Colonel Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Head of the Human Rights Division, Department for External Relations, Ministry of Public Security at the workshop 'Introduction to the Méndez Principles – Effective interrogation principles in investigation and information gathering'. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
On December 11, in Quang Ninh province, the Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, organized the workshop "Introduction to the Méndez Principles – Effective interrogation principles in investigation and information gathering".
This activity aims to continue the serious implementation of the Party and State's policies on ensuring human rights and implementing the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT).
The Workshop was attended by representatives from the Legal and Administrative Reform Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, UNDP representatives, experts from the subcommittee on torture prevention, representatives from functional units of the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of National Defense, the People's Procuracy, the People's Court, the Military Command of six provinces: Quang Ninh, Hung Yen, Bac Giang, Ninh Binh, Hai Phong, Ha Noi; representatives from the Human Rights Institute, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics; Hanoi Law University; representatives from central and local ministries and sectors.
In her opening remarks, Colonel Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong from the Department for External Relations, Ministry of Public Security, affirmed that the Convention Against Torture is one of the nine core United Nations human rights conventions that Vietnam is committed to implementing effectively.
In recent years, Vietnam has actively carried out communication activities, developed national reports, implemented government plans, and strengthened international cooperation.
The workshop holds significant importance as Vietnam continues to deepen its international integration, reaffirming the strong commitment of the Vietnamese Government to ensuring human rights according to the Constitution and international treaties to which Vietnam is a party, especially in effectively implementing the Convention Against Torture.
This is the result of a working session between the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, UNDP, and the Chairman of the UN Committee Against Torture, demonstrating Vietnam's determination to approach and study advanced international standards for suitable application in domestic practice.
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| Ms. Sabina Stein, Assistant Resident Representative, Head of Governance and Participation, UNDP in Vietnam. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
At the Workshop, Ms. Sabina Stein, Assistant Resident Representative, Head of Governance and Participation at UNDP in Vietnam, affirmed that investigative interviewing is not an isolated activity but part of a process to enhance professionalism, transparency, and effectiveness in criminal investigations.
UNDP is ready to continue facilitating access to international expertise, sharing knowledge, and enhancing capacity in Vietnam.
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| Mr. Victor Zaharia, United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT), shares international experiences at the workshop. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
During the workshop, delegates actively focused on discussing the origins, objectives, and structure of the Méndez Principles; the three main pillars: Voluntariness, building trust, ensuring the accuracy of information of the Méndez Principles; practical applications in several countries, including experiences from the Philippines and ASEAN countries.
Notably, delegates engaged in in-depth discussions on the opportunities and challenges in researching and considering the application of the Méndez Principles in investigative activities under Vietnam's actual conditions to achieve high effectiveness.
Delegates believe that the appropriate application of the Méndez Principles will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of investigations, ensuring objectivity, transparency, and compliance with Vietnam's international commitments on human rights.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Director of the Legal and Administrative Reform Department, Ministry of Public Security Dao Anh Toi highly appreciated the cooperation of UNDP, the participation of international agencies and organizations, and the active contributions of the delegates.
The opinions at the workshop serve as important information for research, proposing policy improvements, and considering the application of the Méndez Principles suitable for Vietnam's conditions, contributing to enhancing the effectiveness of the Convention Against Torture implementation.
The Ministry of Public Security expresses its gratitude for the companionship of UNDP and the attention of embassies, especially the Dutch and Norwegian Embassies in Vietnam.
The workshop concluded successfully, contributing to strengthening international cooperation and reinforcing Vietnam's determination to ensure human rights and fulfill the state's commitments to the international community.
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| Delegates attending the workshop. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
