Vietnam and EU hold human rights dialogue in a constructive and open spirit

The European Union (EU) welcomes Vietnam's progress and efforts in enhancing the full enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, and promoting gender equality.

Vietnam and the EU reviewed progress in promoting economic , social and cultural rights, as well as the impact of climate change on individuals in vulnerable situations. (Source: VGP)

That was one of the contents reached between Vietnam and the EU at the annual Human Rights Dialogue, held in Hanoi on July 21. The dialogue was co-chaired by Mr. Pham Hai Anh, Director of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Executive Director, European External Action Service, Asia -Pacific region.

At the dialogue session, Vietnam and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to protecting human rights in accordance with international human rights instruments to which both sides are members; at the same time, they emphasized their shared interest in continuing dialogue and cooperation on human rights issues in a constructive and open spirit, based on respect and common understanding.

The discussions revolved around four core areas: economic, social and cultural rights; civil and political rights; the rule of law and legal reform; and cooperation in multilateral human rights forums.

The EU and Vietnam reviewed progress in promoting economic, social and cultural rights, as well as examining the impact of climate change on individuals in vulnerable situations.

The EU welcomes Vietnam’s progress and efforts to enhance the full enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights and to promote gender equality. The EU notes the recent legislative amendments in the field of labour rights through the Law on Trade Unions of Vietnam, which will enter into force on 1 July 2025, and welcomes the clarifications and information provided by Vietnam on this matter. The EU particularly highlights the ratification of ILO Convention 87 and the Decree on representative organizations of workers and collective bargaining.

Regarding the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Viet Nam shared its progress in promoting civil and political rights, including information on its recent dialogue on the fourth national report with the ICCPR Committee on 7-8 July 2025.

The EU reaffirms the importance of promoting and protecting civil and political rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of religion or belief. Both sides underline the important role of the media, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders, including those involved in the economic, social and environmental fields, and the need to ensure an enabling environment for their effective participation, including in the context of the PCA and the EVFTA.

Vietnam shared information on progress in strengthening the rule of law and efforts to restructure the administrative system, streamline the state apparatus to improve efficiency, better serve the people and promote the enjoyment of rights in the new era of national development.

The EU and Vietnam exchanged views on legal and judicial reforms in Vietnam to strengthen the rule of law, underlining the importance of the independence of the judiciary, access to legal counsel, due process protections and fair trial standards, as well as adequate prison conditions. While reaffirming its firm opposition to the death penalty worldwide, the EU welcomed recent legislative developments in Vietnam, which have reduced the number of crimes punishable by death from 18 to 10.

Vietnam provided an update on the implementation of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The EU encouraged Vietnam to extend its invitation to all Special Procedures and to further enhance its engagement with UN mechanisms, in particular its membership of the Human Rights Council. The EU and Vietnam welcome further cooperation in UN fora on issues of mutual concern, such as human rights and climate change.

The next human rights dialogue will be held in 2026 in Brussels, Belgium.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/viet-nam-va-eu-doi-thoai-nhan-quyen-tren-tinh-than-xay-dung-va-coi-mo-323493.html