Vietnam contributes to int’l efforts in protecting human rights

Vietnam has considered human rights as both widely-recognised and traditional values of a peace-loving nation, which is the reason why the country has always pursued a consistent policy of strengthening international cooperation, thus ensuring the principal rights and freedom of the people.

Under the policy, joining international conventions and realising international commitments on human rights has been a top priority for Vietnam. The country has by now joined seven out of nine major international conventions on human rights, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (in 1982), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (in 1982), the Convention on the Right of the Child (signed in 1990 and ratified the same year), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (signed in 2007 and ratified in 2015), and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (signed in 2013 and ratified in 2015).

Vietnam has also joined many other international conventions related to human rights and international humanitarian laws, as well as treaties of the International Labour Organisation ensuring the rights of labourers.

This shows Vietnam’s commitment in the field, reflecting great efforts of the country amidst a difficult socio-economic situation.

At UN forums, Vietnam has affirmed its stance of an equal approach to human rights, while contributing to drafting many resolutions.

As a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2014-2016, Vietnam participated in all working components, highlighting its viewpoints on issues related to the rights of women, children, the elderly, the disabled, as well as gender equality and economic, social and poverty reduction rights.

Vietnam has upheld its policy in human rights protection and promoted the image of a reformed country.

Head of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Organisations Vu Anh Quang said that UN special rapporteurs had been invited to Vietnam since July 2010, which showed the openness and cooperation of the country with UN human rights mechanisms.

At regional level, Vietnam has joined the process of building the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration and the Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, while contributing to ASEAN Commissions for women and children and migrant workers.

Bilaterally, Vietnam has set up official human right dialogues with the US, Switzerland, Norway, Australia and the European Union.

At the same time, Vietnam has also run non-official exchange channels on human rights.

Quang said that along with dialogues with various countries, Vietnam has also taken steps in international cooperation in the field through participating in or hosting international forums and conferences.

The country has held training courses on international conventions on human rights that it is a member of, while upgrading the capacity of State officials in the field.

The country is also strengthening measures, policies and resources for ensuring all human rights in economic, cultural, culture, social, civil and political aspects to suit international standards./.