The notable outcomes after six consecutive weeks of the 58th session include: (i) The High-Level Segment held in the first week with the participation of four heads of state, six vice presidents/vice prime ministers, 95 ministers and deputy ministers from UN member states, the President of the General Assembly, the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, leaders of international intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations based in Geneva; (ii) 32 resolutions adopted; (iii) nine thematic discussions on integrating human rights, the issue of the death penalty, early warnings and preventing genocide, responding to HIV and leaving no one behind, realizing labor rights and social security rights in the informal economy, the rights of persons with disabilities, children's rights with a focus on prioritizing a child rights-based approach to the development of young children, children's rights in emergencies: putting children's rights first; (iv) discussions on 80 thematic reports; (v) discussions and dialogues with 41 special procedures of the UNHRC and UN human rights mechanisms; (vi) discussions and dialogues on the human rights situation in several countries; (vii) completion of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle IV of 13 countries.

As part of the 58th session, Vietnam led the construction and presentation of a joint statement on promoting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve gender equality, which received widespread support from many countries.

The joint statement emphasized the importance of fully and swiftly achieving the SDGs for gender equality, including priorities such as enhancing the participation of women and girls in decision-making, promoting their leadership roles in science and technology, ensuring equal participation in peace and security processes, and increasing capacity and budget to mainstream gender in policies. Empowering women and girls is key to protecting human rights and ensuring sustainable development.

Throughout the 58th session, the Vietnamese delegation actively engaged in discussions, consultations, and exchanges with delegations from other countries as a contribution to the drafting of documents and co-sponsoring numerous initiatives based on dialogue and cooperation. A standout achievement was the co-sponsorship of the joint statement backed by 65 countries.

These efforts demonstrate Vietnam's consistent policies and achievements in promoting and protecting human rights, aligning with other countries to ensure that the UNHRC’s work adheres to the fundamental principles of international law.

The Vietnamese delegation also made contributions during various sessions and discussions on high-priority topics such as realizing labor rights and social security in the informal economy, children’s rights, responding to HIV and leaving no one behind, cultural rights, food security, rights of persons with disabilities, the Palestine issue, and the situation in occupied Arab territories.

In these remarks, the Vietnamese delegation reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights for all individuals, shared the steps taken to safeguard the rights of vulnerable groups, and underscored the importance of resolving political divides, bolstering cooperation, and building trust through dialogue, in line with international law and the UN Charter. Alongside ASEAN member states, Vietnam also issued joint statements on shared regional concerns, such as technical cooperation and capacity-building.

Vietnam’s active participation at the 58th session of the UNHRC shows its dedication and responsibility during the first session of its final year as a member of the UNHRC for the 2023-2025 term, setting a strong foundation for Vietnam’s preparation to run for re-election to the UNHRC for the 2026-2028 term.

Vietnam’s preparations for UN Convention against Cybercrime signing praised

Vietnam, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organised a seminar in Vienna on March 26 on the upcoming signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi, during which participants praised the country's efforts in preparing for this event.