Undeniable progress in human rights in Vietnam (Part 2 and end)

In the aspect of human rights protection, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the management and organization of the State, the renewal process of our people continues to gain achievements of historical significance in all aspects: social security is secured and enhanced. This is an important basis for human rights, especially the basic rights to be better guaranteed. By 2015, Vietnam had completed the Millennium Development Goals. As a result, 43 million Vietnamese had escaped from poverty and hunger; by the new standard, in 2017, the poverty rate in Vietnam was 7%. Vietnam completed universalization of primary education in 2010 and that of preschool in 2017. The health care service for the people has made progress, the system of medical facilities has been formed widely across the country; the number of doctors and patient beds per ten thousand people has increased rapidly. The quality of the health care service has been improved. This is a great effort made by the Party, State of Vietnam.

In recent years, implementing the Resolution of the 12^th National Party Congress, the political, social, economic conditions and foreign relations of the country have made important progress. In the election of deputies to the 14^thNational Assembly (for the 2016-2021 tenure), 67,485,482 turnout of voters voted, accounted for 99.35%. It is a clear evidence of the exercise of freedom and democracy, reflecting the high political consciousness of citizens towards the country that no forces can distort or deny. The freedom of speech and freedom of press are universally exercised. By 2017, 982 press agencies had been licensed. They have provided timely information, reflecting all the activities of social life, contributing to socio-economic development and people’s improved living condition. Everyone has the right to create press works, to provide information for press agencies and express their opinion on the developments of the country and the world, providing opinion on formulating and implementing the guidelines of the Party, policies and laws of the State, etc. With a progressive, appropriate policy to take a short cut to the development of science and technology, Vietnam has invested in infrastructure, creating favorable conditions for the people to access the Internet and information of domestic and international press agencies. According to the International Social Network Research Organization "Next Web", Vietnam is now among the "top 10" countries having the largest number of Facebook users in the world, with 64 million ones, accounting for 3% of total Facebook accounts globally. In addition, Vietnam has 336 social networks, 1,174 licensed websites.

In economic sector, according to the Government’s report in 2017, the macroeconomic situation was stable, GDP growth reached 6.7%; major balances of the economy were guaranteed; average GDP per capita is estimated at VND 53.5 million VND, equivalent to 2,385 USD, increased by 170 USD compared to 2016. According to the Government's report at the regular press session in August 2018, GDP growth in 2018 is estimated at 6.7%, budget revenues exceed 3% -5%; public debt decreased, inflation rate is below 4%; labor productivity improved; both the quality and quantity of the development of the country increased. As a result, the people's living conditions have been improved, the people's belief in the Party and the State has been strengthened and the international prestige of Vietnam has increased.

For the sake of equitable development for people from all walks of life, there are only a very small number of countries that have policies to support vulnerable social groups, people in remote areas, ethnic minorities like Vietnam. There are credit institutions for the poor, such as the "Social Policy Bank" where the poor can borrow money directly or through trust socio-political organizations, such as the Farmers' Association, the Veteran Association, etc. In addition, the State has also allocated a huge budget to the  program No. 135, aiming at developing essential technical infrastructure, local public services such as electricity, schools, clinics, clean water, thus contributing to improve living standard for the communes with special difficulties, ethnic minorities and mountainous areas. According to 2016-2020 plan, nearly 2,300 communes will be invested.

Furthermore, the implementation of gender equality for the advancement of women is a matter of concern. At present, the ratio of female deputies to Vietnam’s 14^th National Assembly (2016 - 2021) is 26.72%, which is higher than the previous two terms and also higher than the world average (23.6%). And for the first time, the National Assembly of Vietnam is led by a female president.

With above mentioned evidences, it can be reaffirmed that in comparision to the second Review (2014), the assurance of human rights in Vietnam in all fields, from the law to the reality has recorded a number of important achievements and new developments. That is the truth that no one can deny.