Within the framework of the 57th regular session, the United Nations Human Rights Council on September 27 adopted the results of the fourth cycle universal periodic review (UPR) for Vietnam.

The Vietnamese delegation announced its stance on the UPR recommendations of the fourth cycle, and shared and updated the situation of ensuring human rights in Vietnam, efforts to ensure safety, stabilize life and quickly restore labor and production for people during and after Typhoon Yagi.

The session was chaired by Ms. Heidi Schroderus-Fox, Vice President of the Human Rights Council. The Vietnamese delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet, with the participation of Ambassador Mai Phan Dung - Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and international organizations in Geneva, and representatives of a number of relevant ministries and sectors. The session attracted the attention and registration of about 90 representatives of countries, international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), including Vietnamese NGOs.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet shared about the heavy human and material losses after Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam and the urgent and drastic response efforts of the government, with the highest priority being to ensure the lives and safety of the people, quickly overcome the consequences, stabilize life, and restore production and business. The Vietnamese delegation expressed sincere thanks to the countries, partners and United Nations agencies that have shared and supported Vietnam in the past time.

Informing the Human Rights Council of its decision to accept 271 out of 320 recommendations made by countries at the Dialogue Session on National Reports in May 2024, reaching 84.7%, the highest rate in 4 cycles, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment and consistent policy on protecting and promoting human rights and its respect for the UPR Mechanism and the Human Rights Council.

The head of the Vietnamese delegation affirmed that this stance was built on the basis of a thorough review of the recommendations with the full participation of relevant agencies. It is expected that a comprehensive plan to implement these recommendations will be developed and implemented with the full participation of relevant parties in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation.

Providing an update to the Human Rights Council on the situation of protecting and promoting human rights in Vietnam since the Presentation and Dialogue Session on Vietnam's National Report, Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet affirmed that Vietnam continues to strengthen the legal framework on human rights, through promulgating and amending a number of important legal documents related to human rights and civil rights.

Despite the severe impact of Typhoon Yagi, economic growth is forecast to continue to be positive and stable, along with the promotion of the application of science and technology and innovation in production and business, which is a solid premise to ensure the rights of all people. Gender equality, women's empowerment, and protection of vulnerable groups continue to make positive progress in recent times.

Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet also shared about the 2024 amnesty policy for thousands of prisoners, creating conditions for them to reintegrate and make positive contributions to the community. Representatives of many countries and international organizations and non-governmental organizations expressed their deep condolences to Vietnam for the losses and damages after the storm and highly appreciated Vietnam's serious participation in the entire UPR process, especially the high acceptance of recommendations and the development of a methodical implementation plan.

Welcoming Vietnam's impressive efforts and achievements in protecting and promoting human rights, especially in the context of facing many difficulties and challenges from pandemics, climate change, and natural disasters, delegates acknowledged Vietnam's progress in all aspects of perfecting institutions and laws on human rights, socio-economic development, innovation, sustainable poverty reduction, ensuring social security and the rights of vulnerable groups.

Many countries have encouraged Vietnam to promote its experience and good practices in implementing UPR recommendations. Some non-governmental organizations have emphasized that they have been facilitated to participate in contributing to the UPR process in Vietnam, sharing that through participating in the UPR, many of their proposals have been accepted and implemented in practice by the government, especially in ensuring gender equality, empowering women, and promoting sustainable development.

At the end of the session, the Human Rights Council unanimously decided to adopt the results of Vietnam's UPR Cycle IV Report, marking the completion of the Cycle IV review related to the protection and promotion of human rights in Vietnam and moving to the phase of implementing the recommendations./.