Vietnam re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council: Accumulating trust, higher expectations

Ambassador, Dr. Le Thi Tuyet Mai, member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Society of International Law, former Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and international organizations in Geneva, former Director of the Department of Law and International Treaties (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) affirmed that Vietnam's election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HURC) for two consecutive terms has profound significance, demonstrating the mettle, prestige and maturity of Vietnamese diplomacy in the global multilateral environment.

Head of the Vietnamese delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang (first, front row, from right) and other members of the delegation at the time Vietnam was announced as re-elected to the Human Rights Council (UN General Assembly, New York, October 14). (Source: Vietnamese Mission to the UN)

Could you share your feelings about the good news that Vietnam was re-elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for two consecutive terms?

I am deeply moved and proud. This is a great joy not only for the Diplomatic sector but also a source of encouragement for the whole country on the journey for peace , development and happiness of the people. This result affirms the efforts, position and international prestige of Vietnam in an important pillar of the UN - human rights, along with the two other pillars of peace - security and development.

What is truly impressive is that Vietnam was re-elected with the highest number of votes in the regional group, reaching 180 votes in favor, and is the only Asia -Pacific country that is a member of the Human Rights Council in the current term and will continue to serve a consecutive term as a member of the Human Rights Council - the most important global human rights mechanism with 47 member states. This result reflects the international community's widespread recognition of Vietnam's commitment, efforts, cooperation and contributions.

I also feel deeply grateful for the correct direction of the Party and State, the coordination of ministries, branches, localities and the silent dedication of diplomatic staff at international forums to have this meaningful good news.

At the same time, I recognize Vietnam's great responsibility in continuing to make more substantial contributions in the new term, implementing the Party's policy on promoting and elevating multilateral diplomacy, as well as meeting the international community's expectations of Vietnam.

What does this succession suggest to the Ambassador about the steadfastness of Vietnamese diplomacy at the UN in particular and multilateral diplomacy in general?

Vietnam's election for two consecutive terms has many profound meanings, demonstrating the maturity, mettle and prestige of Vietnamese diplomacy in the global multilateral environment, standing out in three aspects.

First, the trust of the international community. Vietnam has not only fulfilled its responsibilities well in the current term from 2023-2025 and the previous term from 2014-2016, but is also trusted to continue to assume the term 2026-2028. This is the result of the process of persistently building the image of Vietnam as a dialogue, responsible, sincere and contributing country.

Second, the adaptability and mettle of Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy. In a complex international context, where human rights issues are sometimes politicized, the fact that Vietnam has maintained its position and received widespread support demonstrates its ability to skillfully handle and balance national interests with the common interests of the international community. Vietnam not only “participates” but also “proactively participates, shapes and leads” many issues, in line with the Party’s direction on promoting and elevating multilateral diplomacy.

Third, continuity and professionalism. The harmonious coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese Delegations in New York, Geneva and in the country demonstrates careful preparation, generational continuity and systematic policy implementation. Thanks to that, Vietnam not only maintains its position but also promotes its prestige and makes effective contributions.

The “continuity” is therefore a testament to the steadfastness and international trust in Vietnam - a dynamic, humane country, oriented towards sustainable development and ready to share experiences in solving human rights issues as well as urgent global issues in general.

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai and the delegation's staff in the first year of Vietnam's 2023-2025 tenure as a member of the UN Human Rights Council. (Photo: NVCC)

According to the Ambassador, what creates Vietnam's current international reputation, especially at the UN Human Rights Council?

Vietnam's international reputation is the result of a combination of internal development, dialogue and cooperation, and substantial contributions. I believe there are five key factors.

First, sustainable development for people. Vietnam persistently pursues a development path that puts people at the center, as the goal and driving force of development, from poverty reduction, health care, education, gender equality to the protection of children and vulnerable groups. Specific achievements in these areas are living proof of the implementation of human rights policies and laws associated with sustainable development, not just limited to legal documents, policies, or statements at forums.

Second, the motto is dialogue, cooperation and respect for differences. Vietnam always perseveres in dialogue, seeks common ground instead of confrontation, demonstrates a constructive spirit and goodwill, thereby becoming a trustworthy partner, even when there are differences of opinion.

Third, proactive initiatives and connectivity capacity. Vietnam has proposed and co-sponsored many important initiatives at the UN Human Rights Council, such as the Resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the issue of climate change and human rights, health rights, children's rights in the digital space, etc. These initiatives affirm the "Vietnamese mark" at the UN Human Rights Council, concretizing the content of human rights associated with sustainable development goals.

Fourth, transparency and accountability. Vietnam announces and seriously implements the voluntary commitments it made when running for office, such as promoting human rights education, ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups, and strengthening international cooperation, while widely publicizing the implementation results, demonstrating the spirit of “practice matches words”.

Fifth, sincere, trustworthy and responsible diplomacy. Vietnam has always been an active member of the UN, ASEAN, APEC and many other international mechanisms, having held positions such as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, a member of ECOSOC and the Human Rights Council. Through each term, Vietnam has proven itself to be a country with an independent, constructive and responsible voice, accumulating the trust of the international community through concrete actions.

What are your expectations for Vietnam's contributions during the 2026-2028 term of the UN Human Rights Council?

The new term is an opportunity for Vietnam to continue to clearly demonstrate the humane identity of Vietnamese diplomacy, continue to implement the 12 voluntary commitments and 8 priority areas announced during its candidacy, and actively contribute to the work of the Human Rights Council for the common interests of nations.

Every country has the responsibility to promote and protect human rights for its citizens. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Vietnam is not only obliged to promote and report on the implementation of human rights protection in the country based on the implementation of laws, policies and programs at all levels, in accordance with relevant international treaties to which Vietnam is a member; but also to participate in reviewing, discussing, recommending and developing global human rights policies, based on the principles of equality, constructive dialogue and cooperation.

Members of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to Geneva, the President and three Vice Presidents of the UN Human Rights Council and Ambassadors of several countries that are members of the UN Human Rights Council at the closing session of the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Geneva on October 13, 2023. (Photo: NVCC)

The responsibility of the UN Human Rights Council members is even greater due to the context of many global challenges to human rights - such as armed conflicts, political instability, economic inequality, climate change, digital divide, especially multilateralism, the role of the UN and the UN Human Rights Council is challenged by division and conflicts between countries, values, cultures and some forces politicizing human rights issues.

Therefore, to meet the common aspirations of many countries, it is necessary to promote the important role of the UN Human Rights Council through dialogue, discussion, experience sharing and international cooperation to resolve human rights issues instead of confrontation or imposition.

In the context of the above mentioned challenges, Vietnam is expected to contribute in the eight announced priority areas, of which four key directions can be emphasized:

Firstly, promoting the role of a “bridge” between regions and groups of countries in human rights discussions. With an independent foreign policy, along with achievements and experience over the past time, Vietnam can contribute to narrowing differences of opinion, promoting understanding and cooperation.

"The re-election of the UNSC is truly the result of consensus within the political system, of the entire diplomatic sector, with the support of the people. This is not a destination but a new beginning, with higher expectations for Vietnam in demonstrating responsibility, an active and proactive role, and making substantial contributions to the UNSC."

Second, shaping and leading topics with “Vietnamese imprint”. Vietnam can continue to pioneer urgent global issues of common international concern such as human rights in the context of climate change, rights in digital transformation, personal data protection, equitable access to technology, the right to health and post-pandemic recovery. These are all areas that are consistent with Vietnam’s capacity, experience and priorities for sustainable development as well as international cooperation between Vietnam and many international partners in related fields and mechanisms.

Third, promote transparency and accountability in fulfilling international obligations. Vietnam can continue to share experiences, conduct voluntary mid-term reports on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and respond to recommendations, as it did in 2022, which was highly appreciated by the international community. This will continue to affirm that Vietnam truly engages in constructive, transparent, and accountable dialogue, without politicizing human rights.

Fourth, contribute to reforming and improving the operational efficiency of the Human Rights Council. Vietnam can promote initiatives to reduce political confrontation, share common values, understand and respect each other, increase technical cooperation, connect the Human Rights Council with convention mechanisms and the UPR, and strengthen the role of the Human Rights Council to operate in a substantive, fair and inclusive manner.

The re-election of the HRC is truly the result of the consensus within the political system, of the entire diplomatic sector and the support of the people. This is not a destination but a new beginning, with higher expectations for Vietnam in demonstrating responsibility, an active and proactive role, and making substantial contributions to the HRC.

I believe that, with the leadership of the Party, the efforts of the Foreign Affairs sector, the close coordination between ministries, sectors, localities and the people's support in enforcing laws, policies and programs on human rights, Vietnam will successfully fulfill its responsibilities as a member of the Human Rights Council in the coming term. Thereby, Vietnam will continue to make practical contributions to promoting and protecting human rights, while contributing to building a world of peace, stability, humanity and sustainable development, in accordance with the spirit of the United Nations Charter and relevant international documents.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/viet-nam-tai-dac-cu-hoi-dong-nhan-quyen-lien-hop-quoc-tich-luy-niem-tin-ky-vong-cao-hon-333185.html