Vietnam makes active contributions to 63rd Human Rights Council session

The month-long session, held in Geneva from 7 September to 7 October, marked the conclusion of the Council’s three regular sessions in 2026. It adopted 38 resolutions and decisions, held six thematic panel discussions and 37 interactive dialogues with Special Procedures and other United Nations human rights mechanisms, reviewed thematic reports and updates as well as human rights situations in 20 countries and territories. It completed the adoption of the outcomes of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for 15 countries, and appointed seven mandate holders to the Council’s Special Procedures and working groups.

Vietnam advances initiatives on vaccination and older persons’ rights

Throughout the session, the Vietnamese delegation took part in consultations and negotiations on nearly 40 draft resolutions and discussions, co-sponsored eight resolutions and seven joint statements, and co-hosted or participated in a number of side events and initiatives.

A notable contribution was Vietnam’s leadership in drafting and presenting a joint statement on vaccination and access to vaccines, co-sponsored by 42 countries.

The statement underlined the essential role of vaccination in primary health care, universal health coverage and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It called for efforts to close immunisation gaps and ensure timely, affordable and equitable access to vaccines, alongside stronger international cooperation, sustainable financing and the sharing of technology and knowledge to advance the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

Vietnam also hosted a high-level discussion on promoting the right to health of older persons and developing a comprehensive framework to ensure their enjoyment of human rights, co-sponsored by the Philippines and Slovenia.

The discussion was moderated by Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, and brought together Zvezdan Pirtošek, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Philippines and Vietnam’s Ministry of Health, as well as nearly 100 participants.

Participants discussed access to health services for older persons, the role of universal health coverage, primary health care, prevention, vaccination and long-term care in promoting healthy ageing, measures to reduce inequalities in access to health care, and policies and practices to advance the rights of older persons.

Broader engagement on human rights issues

Vietnam also co-hosted two side events during the session, one on strengthening cooperation in combating human trafficking in the context of online scams, organised by Thailand, and another on reviewing the efforts and achievements of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), organised by the Philippines.

The Vietnamese delegation also participated in and delivered statements during discussions on economic, social and cultural rights, the right to development, the rights of older persons, the right to clean water and sanitation, human rights education and training, the rights of indigenous peoples and climate finance, among other issues of international concern.

Vietnam’s engagement at HRC63 came as the country implements the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and enters a new development phase focused on rapid and sustainable growth, including an ambition for double-digit economic growth and continued improvements in people’s living standards.

In this context, Vietnam has continued to emphasise respect for, protection and promotion of human rights and citizens’ rights, with people placed at the centre, as both the subject and beneficiary of development. The country has also promoted dialogue, cooperation and a balanced approach, sharing its experience and advancing practical initiatives, particularly on the rights of vulnerable groups.

Its participation in HRC63 therefore reflects Vietnam’s efforts to play an active and responsible role as a Council member for the 2026–2028 term, while contributing to the Council’s work on the basis of the UN Charter and international law.

Vietnam places people at the center of human rights protection and promotion

VOV.VN - Economic development achievements and steadily improving human development indicators serve as clear, concrete evidence of Vietnam’s priority in promoting and protecting human rights.