Vietnam wins seat at UN Human Rights Council

The election was made on Tuesday at the U.N. headquarters in New York, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

According to UN WebTV, Vietnam won 145 votes out of a total 189 votes.

The 13 other new members of the UNHCR for the 2023-2025 tenure are: Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Georgia, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Morocco, Romania, South Africa, and Sudan.

Candidates are divided into five geographical regions, with the Asia-Pacific group is the most competitive region, in which seven countries have introduced candidates since mid-2020, but one country withdrew its candidacy at the last minute.

Vietnam was the only Southeast Asian candidate and also the only Asian candidate of the Francophone community.

After the results were announced, the head of the Vietnamese delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu, said that this is a testament to Vietnam’s position and reputation, which is constantly being strengthened and enhanced in the international arena.

It also shows the recognition of the international community for Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in this field, he said.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, head of the Vietnamese delegation to the U.N., emphasized the importance of the Human Rights Council and the high level of competition among the candidates.

With the message of “Respecting and understanding. Dialogue and cooperation. Human rights for all,” Vietnam as a member of the council will contribute directly to the greater cause to protect and promote human rights for the next three years, he said.

Through dialogue and cooperation, Vietnam will promote the priorities identified when joining the council, especially protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring human rights in response to human rights global issues.

This is the second time Vietnam has been elected to the UNHCR. The country was a member of the council for the first time in 2013 for the 2014-2016 tenure.

Created in 2006, the 47-nation U.N. rights body is tasked with promoting and protecting human rights.