Vietnam - a proactive and active member of the UN Convention against Torture

Vietnam is making efforts to complete the second National Report on the implementation of the Convention against Torture.
Việt Nam chủ động, tích cực trong triển khai thực thi Công ước Chống tra tấn
Vietnam is always active in implementing the Convention against Torture. (Photo: PH)

Wide consultation

Recognizing the important role and position of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Convention against torture or CAT Convention), Vietnam always strives to comprehensively implement measures to effectively implement the Convention, thereby achieving achievements recognized by the international community.

November 20, in Hung Yen City, the Drafting Committee of Vietnam's second National Report on the implementation of the CAT Convention (CAT 2 Report) organized a workshop to consult widely with Government agencies, local authorities, socio-political organizations, professional organizations, non-governmental organizations and people about the draft CAT 2 Report. Major General Nguyen Van Ky, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security chaired the conference.

The conference attracted the participation of representatives of central ministries, departments and branches such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Supreme People's Procuracy, and the Vietnam’s Bar Federation, People's Courts and People's Procuracy of provinces, Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, Central Vietnam Farmers' Union; Representatives of departments, branches, socio-political organizations, international organizations...

At the Workshop, Major General Nguyen Van Ky stated clearly that because of the awareness of the important role and position of the CAT Convention, Vietnam is constantly making efforts to comprehensively deploy measures to effectively implement the Convention, thereby achieving achievements recognized by the international community, including the Report on the implementation of the Convention.

According to the provisions of the CAT Convention, the development of a CAT Report must ensure widespread participation and input from Government agencies, local authorities, socio-political organizations, profession organizations, non-governmental organizations and people to ensure objectivity, comprehensiveness and completeness.

With that requirement, Major General Nguyen Van Ky emphasized that the organization of the workshop is to consult experts so that the development of the CAT 2 Report not only meets political and domestic requirements that are suitable for the public and international requirements, but also helps the international community better understand Vietnam's efforts in implementing the CAT Convention.

Một tiết mục văn nghệ do phạm nhân trại giam Vĩnh Quang (huyện Tam Đảo, tỉnh Vĩnh Phúc) biểu diễn (Ảnh: Báo Công an nhân dân)
An entertainment performance performed by inmates of Vinh Quang prison (Tam Dao district, Vinh Phuc province). (Source: CAND)

Translating CAT regulations into the national legal system

Presenting a summary of the content of the draft Report, the representative of the Secretariat that developed the CAT 2 Report pointed out that, based on careful study of the recommendations of the Committee against Torture (CAT Committee), Vietnam issued a National Action Plan to enhance effective implementation of the CAT Convention nationwide.

Vietnam has issued more than 56 laws and legal documents to better ensure human rights in general and prevent and punish acts related to torture in particular.

To implement the laws, Vietnam continues to issue more than hundreds of guiding documents to standardize processes, publicize regulations, and supplement regulations to prevent acts of torture and protect those at risk of torture as well as providing better support to victims of torture.

In addition, Vietnam has organized hundreds of training classes, conferences, seminars, discussions, and competitions to learn about the CAT Convention and Vietnamese law on torture prevention and control; open many categories, post many news, articles, and reports to propagate, disseminate, and answer laws related to the content of the CAT Convention and Vietnamese law on torture prevention and control in the media, radio, television programs and social networks...

At the workshop, delegates focused on discussing and giving opinions on the form, layout and specific content of the draft CAT 2 Report, in accordance with the goals and requirements of the organizing committee.

Speaking at the conclusion of the conference, Major General Nguyen Van Ky expressed his welcome and appreciation for the comments of the delegates and affirmed that the CAT 2 Report Drafting Committee will study and absorb the opinions of the delegates, urgently revise and complete the draft report according to the proposed plan.

With a commitment to becoming a responsible member state of the United Nations in general and the Convention against Torture in particular, for the goal of building a socialist rule of law State of the people, by the people and for the people, participation and effective implementation of the Convention against Torture will contribute to improving the domestic legal system related to human rights protection, while enhancing the capacity of staffs and civil servants in performing public duties; affirming the efforts, determination and consistent and humane policies of the Vietnam in ensuring human rights and civil rights, thereby contributing to enhancing the prestige and image of Vietnam with the international community.

The Convention against Torture is one of nine core United Nations treaties on human rights, receiving special attention from the international community.

The Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1984 under Resolution No. 39/64 and entered into force on June 26, 1987 after being ratified by 20 countries. This is one of the important international and multilateral treaties on human rights of the United Nations.

With the desire to better protect and ensure human rights and civil rights, on November 28, 2014, at the 8th session, the 13th National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam passed Resolution No. 83 /2014/QH13 on ratification of the Convention.

Vietnam completed the procedures and submitted the instrument of ratification to the United Nations Secretary General on February 5, 2015 and became the 158th member state of the Convention on March 7, 2015.

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