The fruit of a lot of hard work

On October 11, the United Nations General Assembly (UN) elected 14 countries to be members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the term 2023-2025, including Vietnam (VN). This is the second time Vietnam has been elected to this Council. Previously, in 2013, Vietnam was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 term.

Newspaper Ho Chi Minh City Law Luan Thuy Duong, Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam in Myanmar for the 2016-2019 term, had a discussion about this event.

A meaningful victory…

. Reporter: This is the second time Vietnam has been elected to the UNHRC and is the only representative of ASEAN to be elected to the UNHRC. As a veteran diplomat of Vietnam, how do you feel about this event?

Ambassador Luan Thuy Duong

+ Ambassador Luan Thuy Duong (image) I feel very happy and proud of my country’s diplomacy. This is a victory of the collective strength, of the direction of the Party and the State and the contributions of ministries, sectors, localities and the whole society.

This is also a great success, showing that Vietnam’s multilateral foreign affairs work has been on the right track, showing its positivity, initiative and efficiency. First of all, we must thank the diplomats at the relevant units at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BNG), as well as at the Vietnamese Delegation to the UN for their day and night efforts and direct, on-site contributions to the victory. this benefit.

. In your opinion, what does this event mean for Vietnam?

+ The election results show that the international community recognizes Vietnam’s active participation in UNHRC’s activities; at the same time, expressing confidence and appreciation for Vietnam’s strong commitments and efforts in promoting and protecting human rights.

With a new role at UNHRC, Vietnam will have the opportunity to continue to contribute to the promotion of all human rights on the basis of objectivity, cooperation and dialogue.

Vietnam is the only candidate of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to be elected to the UNHRC for the term of 2023-2025, which will help improve Vietnam’s position in ASEAN and at the same time allow Vietnam to perform well. the aspirations and wishes of ASEAN at this international forum.

– Ambassador Luan Thuy Duong –

…From the efforts of the entire nation

. In your opinion, what are the reasons that helped Vietnam get elected this time?

There are many bases and facts that prove that Vietnam deserves to be elected to the UNHCR this time. Firstly, it is an achievement of the renovation process, building a state ruled by law of the people, by the people and for the people, always putting the interests of the people first, focusing on economic development with improving living standards. people’s lives in all aspects.

Secondly, the Party and government have closely directed ministries, sectors and localities to support Vietnam’s participation in the candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council and closely coordinate with the BNG to campaign for Vietnam’s candidacy. .

Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu put Vietnam’s ballot in a box on October 11th. Photo: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN

Third, Vietnam actively and effectively participates in the UN’s work, well undertakes the tasks and responsibilities within the UN such as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, the President of the UN General Assembly…

Fourth, we have had experience in standing for, campaigning as well as taking on roles in UNHRC when we were a member of this Council in the period 2014-2016.

. How has Vietnam made efforts to be elected to the UNHRC this time, ma’am?

+ First of all, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vietnamese people enjoy equal economic, political and social benefits; in other words, human rights have been protected. This is reflected in the efforts of the Vietnamese government in reducing poverty and protecting the vulnerable.

Secondly, over the years, Vietnam has actively participated in humanitarian missions within the UN peacekeeping mission, which has been recognized by the international community.

Third, Vietnam has a national report on the implementation of the Convention on Human Rights which is very complete, transparent and timely.

Fourth, Vietnam has proactively forecast the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly, flexibly, and effectively in controlling the disease. Thereby, showing that the Vietnamese government has put the safety of the people first and does its best for the health and stability of the people’s lives, leaving no one behind.

The way forward

. In your opinion, how much effort will Vietnam have to make to fulfill its commitments as a member of the UNHRC and at the same time perform its duties at the United Nations Human Rights Council this coming term?

+ Vietnam will join 13 newly elected members to take on important responsibilities for a 3-year term, starting in January 2023. With the spirit of a reliable partnership, an active and responsible member, Vietnam will continue to closely coordinate with member countries, making substantial contributions to the common work of UNHRC.

The meeting to elect 14 UNHRC members for the term 2023-2025 was held on October 11 at the United Nations Headquarters (New York City, USA). Photo: UN JOURNAL/TWITTER

We will work with member countries to promote initiatives and solutions in areas such as the right to live in peace, the right to development, the rights of vulnerable groups, gender equality, and the right to access to health. education, employment, response to climate change, epidemics, etc.

In the term of 2023-2025, we will seriously and fully implement our reporting obligations under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle IV and international Covenants in the field of civil rights – politics, anti-discrimination, women’s rights, the rights of people with disabilities.

Besides, the work of information and propaganda also needs to be further promoted so that the Vietnamese people better understand the responsibility of the country and create stronger support of international public opinion. Doing this also contributes to preventing misinformation from hostile forces about Vietnam’s policies and activities related to democracy and human rights.

Vietnam was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the second time: Pride and responsibility

(PLO)- Vietnam being elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the second time is a great honor, but it also requires a lot of efforts to fulfill its commitments as well as complete the tasks during the term.