The conference was chaired by Le Hong Vinh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, and Head of the Provincial Human Rights Steering Committee.

Participants included Dr. Le Trung Kien, Deputy Chief of Office of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs; Colonel Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Head of the Human Rights Department, Permanent Office for Human Rights; Major General Bui Quang Thanh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Director of the Nghe An Provincial Police; Colonel Le Van Thai, Deputy Director of Provincial Police; along with representatives from provincial departments, agencies, organizations, and member units of the Provincial Human Rights Steering Committee, as well as local government officials from districts, towns, and cities. Several press agencies and the Nghe An Radio and Television Station were also in attendance.

In recent years, Vietnam's human rights work has achieved significant accomplishments recognized internationally. Nghe An Province has received special attention from the Party and State. In 2023, the Politburo issued Resolution 39 on building and developing Nghe An Province by 2030, with a vision to 2045, replacing Resolution 26 from 2013.

The province has witnessed socio-economic progress, with a GDP growth rate of 6.76% in the first six months of the year, ranking third in the North Central Region and 26th nationwide.

The province hosts 135 active FDI projects from 14 countries and territories, with total registered capital nearing $4 billion. Social welfare and cultural activities have received due attention, and national defense and security have been maintained.

In the area of human rights protection, under the guidance of the Government's Human Rights Steering Committee and the Permanent Office for Human Rights, the Nghe An Provincial Human Rights Steering Committee has advised provincial leaders to comprehensively implement human rights work, achieving notable results.

Efforts to ensure and promote human rights have focused on social welfare policies for disadvantaged areas and vulnerable populations, as well as child protection and gender equality.

Expanding and deepening human rights advocacy and protection

In his opening remarks, Major General Bui Quang Thanh emphasized the importance of enhancing awareness among officials and Party members about human rights work, particularly in the face of challenges and opportunities.

The goal is to innovate thinking, create substantial changes in action, and expand and deepen efforts in human rights protection and advocacy.

He highlighted the need to align these efforts with specific localities, sectors, agencies, and individuals in Nghe An Province. He urged participants to fully engage in the training, actively exchange ideas, and gain a comprehensive understanding of human rights advocacy and protection. He also stressed strict adherence to national security and confidentiality regulations.

At the conference, Dr. Le Trung Kien, Deputy Chief of Office of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, presented on “Ensuring Freedom of Belief and Religion, and Combating Misuse of Religious Freedom Against Vietnam.” Colonel Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong delivered a report on “Human Rights Work in the New Context.”

PV