From March 9 to 11, a delegation from Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Ha, attended CSW70 in New York.

At the general discussion of the session, participating countries exchanged views on emerging challenges in promoting gender equality, with particular attention to improving women’s and girls’ access to justice.

Addressing the discussion on March 11, Ha said access to justice is not only a fundamental human right but also a foundation for eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination, while contributing to sustainable development.

She also shared Vietnam’s experience in strengthening legal and policy frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting the rights and interests of women.

In particular, the Law on Legal Aid, which took effect in 2017, expanded the categories eligible for free legal assistance, including victims of domestic violence, victims of human trafficking and disadvantaged minors. Legal aid centres have been established in all 63 provinces and cities, while more than 62% of legal aid providers are women, helping improve gender sensitivity in service delivery.

In addition, more than 6,000 models and service facilities for preventing and responding to gender-based violence are operating nationwide. These initiatives help women and girls, especially those in remote and disadvantaged areas, gain timely access to essential services such as psychological counselling, legal assistance and emergency protection.

Through these policies and programmes, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to fully implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action and other international human rights commitments.

Ha said Vietnam is integrating gender equality goals into institutional reform, the building of a rule-of-law state and broader sustainable development efforts.

On the sidelines of CSW70, Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Ha met Osmayda Hernandez Beleno, a member of the National Executive Committee of the Federation of Cuban Women. The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest related to gender equality and women’s advancement.

Both sides also recalled the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries and their peoples. Based on this foundation, Ha and Hernandez Beleno agreed to establish a channel for dialogue and cooperation between their respective institutions on gender equality in order to share experience and strengthen cooperation.

The Vietnamese diplomat  said Vietnam will continue improving gender-responsive legislation, strengthening the capacity of law enforcement personnel and promoting digital transformation to expand access to justice. The country also seeks to ensure women’s meaningful participation in governance and decision-making.

“Vietnam stands ready to cooperate and share experience with member states and United Nations agencies in building a fair and inclusive world where no woman or girl is left behind,”  Ha said.

During the CSW70 session, the Vietnamese delegation attended the high-level general discussion and participated in ministerial meetings as well as a range of side events, including roundtables, thematic discussions and bilateral meetings to exchange experience and strengthen international cooperation on gender equality.

Among these activities, the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations hosted a discussion titled “Justice without barriers: Empowering women and youth in law and leadership.” The event, chaired by the spouse of Vietnam’s Ambassador to the UN, explored ways to improve access to justice and promote women’s participation in legal and leadership fields.

The CSW is the United Nations’ largest intergovernmental body dedicated to advancing policies on women’s rights and gender equality. Outcomes of its annual sessions are compiled into recommendations and policy guidance to support member states in carrying out sustainable development goals related to women and girls.

South–South cooperation promotes rights, justice for women and girls

A dialogue on South–South cooperation to enhance access to justice for women and girls was held at the UN Green One House in Hanoi on March 11 to mark International Women’s Day 2026.

UNFPA, Quang Ninh launch project to prevent violence against women and girls

VOV.VN - UNFPA Vietnam, in collaboration with the Quang Ninh Department of Health and with financial support from KOICA, on February 4 launched a project to strengthen prevention of and response to violence against women and girls in Quang Ninh province for the 2025–2027 period.