Human rights policies prove effective

Vietnam is currently preparing for the second Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the country’s human rights at the United Nations Human Rights Council in January 2014, while also running for a seat on the council in the 2014-2016 tenure.

For the first time, civil organisations have consulted and worked together to produce a combined independent report on human rights in Vietnam, which is completely separate from the national report, to support documentation prepared by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights.

The deadlines for submission are June 17, 2013 for the independent report and October 28 for the one from the Government.

Tran Chi Thanh, head of the Human Rights Division of International Organisation Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shed light on Vietnam’s preparations an interview granted to VOV online.

VOV: Would you elaborate on Vietnam’s bid for membership in the UN Human Rights Council?

Thanh: Vietnam is running for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council in the 2014-2016 term and the result will be announced at a UN General Assembly session this coming November. If Vietnam is accepted, it will raise the country’s role in addressing international issues, including human rights.

Through the UN Human Rights Council, Vietnam will have the chance to introduce its human rights achievements, share its experiences and capitalise on international resources to continue promoting human rights in the country.

Vietnam is trying its best to convince the international community that it is able to fulfil the tasks of guaranteeing its citizens’ human rights and cooperating with relevant UN mechanisms. It has also been actively involved as an observer of the council’s activities over the years.

VOV: Many countries are interested in Vietnam’s human rights performance. How is the situation being addressed by the Vietnamese government?

Thanh: The government has introduced policies to promote human rights in all areas, especially in reducing poverty and improving people’s well-being. These policies have been realised, resulting in significant socio-economic development and improved living standards.

Vietnam's poverty reduction achievements have been recognised internationally

VOV: Would you give a brief of Vietnam’s preparations for the second UPR in January 2014?

Thanh: Vietnam is currently completing its national report for the UPR meeting. The government has established an inter-sectoral agency comprising 18 Governmental-level and National Assembly bodies led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to draft a comprehensive report covering the country’s human rights performance in all areas, from politics to economics, culture and social affairs.

The designated agencies are responsible for summarising their own issues regarding the recommendations made during the first UPR in 2009.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will then gather all the information and create a national report to submit to the government for consideration.

VOV: What are the main points in the national report?

Thanh: The government’s report will focus on three main areas: the implementation of the recommendations made at the first UPR, the actual progress in Vietnam’s human rights situation and challenges to guaranteeing human rights in the country, and the government’s priorities for the near future.

VOV: Why are non-governmental organisations making a combined report independent of the national report?

Thanh: Three documents will be presented at the UPR meeting: the national report prepared by the government, a document by international organisations and UN Human Rights Treaty bodies represented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and an independent report by domestic and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), individuals and collectives concerning the human rights situation in Vietnam.

The last two documents will be summarised by the UN High Commission for Human Rights Office, according to common practice.

At the first UPR in 2009, NGO organisations in Vietnam were not involved in drafting the report because they were not aware of the process. Information was provided mainly by NGOs operating outside the country and, therefore, some of the information was incorrect.

This time the government is encouraging domestic and international NGOs operating in Vietnam to provide objective, accurate and reliable information about the actual current situation in the country.

VOV: Thank you.