2019 is an exciting year for Vietnam with many important activities at global and regional forums on human rights.

Vietnam's constructive approach and active participation have earned the trust and support of international friends at human rights forums in 2019, in which first including the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights (UPR), the most important mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

In January 2019, Vietnam participated in the presentation and dialogue on the National Report on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights under the UPR Cycle III mechanism. 122 countries participated in the speech, the highest number in Vietnam's 3 review cycles. Vietnam received 291 recommendations from countries, most of them in accordance with Vietnam's policies, laws and priorities.

In July 2019, at the meeting to approve the National Report of Vietnam under the UPR mechanism, Vietnam officially announced the approval of 241 of the 291 recommendations (accounting for 83%), of which 21 were partial approval petition. This is a relatively high approval rate, compared to many countries that have conducted periodic reviews III. Recommendations accepted by Viet Nam cover all areas of human rights, including improving the laws on human rights, ensuring civil, political, economic, cultural, and social rights, the rights of workers, women and vulnerable groups, raising awareness and educating human rights; consider joining and implementing international human rights treaties, and strengthening international human rights cooperation.

This year, Vietnam defended the national report on the implementation of the Convention on civil and political rights, one of which was considered "difficult" and attracted high attention from international public opinion. The security session took place successfully in the spirit of frank exchange. Vietnam has clearly answered with solid arguments about its policies and laws on human rights, as well as the practical implementation of obligations under the Convention. We also provide information to help the Convention Committee members better understand the actual situation in Vietnam, especially when some members still have access to informal and unverified information. .

In July 2019, at the meeting to approve the National Report of Vietnam under the UPR mechanism, Vietnam officially announced the approval of 241 of the 291 recommendations.

Also in 2019, at the Human Rights Council, Vietnam, Bangladesh and the Philippines introduced the Resolution on climate change and the rights of people with disabilities with 49 co-sponsors. Vietnam also spoke on behalf of ASEAN at the Seminar on climate change and women's rights at the 41st Human Rights Council (June 2019), a seminar held on the basis of a resolution hosted by Vietnam. Presented at the Human Rights Council in 2018.

In 2019, Vietnam conducted a Human Rights Dialogue with the European Union, the United States and Australia, in which at the Dialogue with Australia (August 2019), for the first time, the two countries issued a joint press release.

At the regional level, Vietnam is an active member of many ASEAN-led human rights activities, including the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the ASEAN Commission on Promotion. protecting the rights of women and children (ACWC).

Today, ietnam's participation does not stop at informing the international community about Vietnam's policies, laws and achievements in ensuring human rights, but has gradually contributed to international forums by sharing Vietnam's approach and experience. Illustrative image.

Vietnam host the AICHR Workshop on Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Women through Information Technology (November 2019) and Asia-Pacific Children's Development Conference (December 2019).

Preparing for the term of Standing Member of the UN Security Council for the term 2020-2021, in 2019 Vietnam has been actively researching and preparing for participation in the "Women, peace and security” topic of the UN Security Council. It is expected that Vietnam will preside over some important events in 2020 related to this issue, especially on the role of women in negotiating, building peace and rebuilding after the war.

At these forums, Vietnam's participation today is not limited to informing the international community about Vietnam's policies, laws and achievements in ensuring human rights. gradually contribute more substantially to the forums, by sharing Vietnam's approach and experience, proactively contributing responsibilities to issues of international concern, as well as being ready to play a role. core, ready to act as a bridge and mediator when needed.

Summarized by Minh Van