Vietnam voted to pass a new United Nations Resolution on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity on June 30 at the 32nd meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

It joined Mongolia and South Korea in Asia in implementing the resolution.

With 23 votes in favor, 18 against and six voids, the resolution is a historic international measure protecting the rights of the LGBT community around the world.

There will be an independent monitor working at both national and international levels to identify and resolve the causes of and discrimination against the LGBT community.

Vietnam’s vote in favor is consistent with Vietnamese law.

In 2015, at its 10th meeting, National XIII passed the amended Civil Law 2015, which accepts transgender rights in Article 37. Transgender people have the right to inform local authorities regarding their new status, which guarantees their human rights are protected.

The change in transgender rights was met with approval from the LGBT community in Vietnam and overseas.

In 2015 the Marriage and Family Law removed the ban on same sex weddings but same sex marriages are still not recognized.