Vietnam committed to protecting, promoting human rights

At the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ original adoption in Geneva, Switzerland (Dec. 12, 2023), Vietnam and other countries affirmed their commitment to abide by the Declaration through international pledges, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at a Thursday press conference.

Hang denied that Vietnam’s pledges have a deadline for realization in 2099 as initially shown on the official website of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

“This is inaccurate information. We have asked the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to issue a correction,” she said. The latest version of the website now shows no expected deadlines for realization for Vietnam’s eight pledges, including strengthening the rule-of-law state with continued legal reforms, strengthening education on human rights to raise public awareness and the capability of law enforcement agencies, and making further substantive contributions to ASEAN human rights cooperation.

Hang said Vietnam’s pledges show the country’s relentless efforts to protect and promote human rights, which is consistent with its policies.

Vietnam was voted onto the U.N. Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term in October 2022.