Round 19 of the Annual Human Rights Dialogue between Vietnam and Australia in 2024

The annual Vietnam-Australia Human Rights Dialogue was sincere, frank, and constructive, focusing on discussions of civil, political , economic, social, and cultural rights.

On July 30, Vietnam and Australia held the 19th Round of the 2024 Annual Dialogue on Human Rights between Vietnam and Australia in Canberra, Australia.

The Dialogue was co-chaired by Australian Human Rights Ambassador Bronte Moules and Director General of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Pham Hai Anh. The delegations from both sides participating in the Dialogue included many members, including the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The dialogue took place in a sincere, frank, and constructive manner, discussing civil, political, economic , social, and cultural rights.

Overview of Round 19 of the Annual Human Rights Dialogue between Vietnam and Australia in 2024. (Photo: Bao Chi)

The discussions covered the importance of promoting and protecting freedom of expression, association and assembly, each country’s approach to human rights, updates on the rule of law and legal reform, policies to protect the rights of women and children, Indigenous Australians and ethnic minorities in Vietnam, the LGBTI community and people with disabilities. Vietnam and Australia also discussed each country’s approach to the death penalty.

The two sides reaffirmed the importance of ongoing cooperation between the two countries within the multilateral system, including UN human rights forums. They also discussed opportunities for cooperation and Australia’s support in strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights in Vietnam, including through support programs of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The dialogue is an important part of the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Australia. This year’s dialogue is particularly significant, being the first to be held after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced the upgrading of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in accordance with international law, and to strengthening and contributing to the work of the United Nations Human Rights Council and its mechanisms.

The Dialogue recognizes the important role of mass media, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders in making a positive contribution to each society.

Vietnam and Australia also committed to continuing cooperation to promote inclusive societies that respect and guarantee equal opportunities and respect for human rights for all without any form of discrimination.

Delegations from both sides participating in the Dialogue pose for a commemorative photo. (Photo: Bao Chi)

During discussions on Vietnam's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, cycle IV, at the United Nations Human Rights Council in May 2024, Australia encouraged Vietnam to accept and implement the recommendations made by Australia, including enacting legislation to ensure the right to peaceful assembly in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Vietnam emphasizes that it is in the process of reviewing all received recommendations to consider accepting appropriate recommendations, based on compliance with the Vietnamese Constitution and laws, including Article 25 of the Constitution on the right to assembly.

During their stay in Australia, the Vietnamese delegation met with Commissioners and senior officials of the Australian Human Rights Commission and visited Silverwater Re-education Camp in Sydney.

Vietnam and Australia are both looking forward to participating in the 20th Round of the annual Human Rights Dialogue, which will be held in Vietnam in 2025.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/vong-19-doi-thoai-thuong-nien-ve-quyen-con-nguoi-giua-viet-nam-va-australia-nam-2024-281121.html