Ensuring and promoting human rights is Vietnam’s consistent policy
Respecting and upholding human rights is a fundamental principle and policy of Vietnam’s Party and State, as enshrined in the Constitution and laws of Vietnam. This commitment is reflected in the socio-economic development strategies tailored to each stage of the country’s progress, and in the active and responsible fulfillment of international obligations on human rights.
Since the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, Vietnam has recognized human rights as an enduring and universal value, rooted in the belief that all individuals are equal and possess inherent rights to life, freedom, and pursuit of happiness. Vietnam has ratified 7 out of 9 core international human rights conventions, along with numerous other agreements related to human rights protection and international labor standards. By aligning domestic laws with international norms, Vietnam strives to uphold human rights principles while considering its unique circumstances. The 2013 Constitution represents a significant milestone in advancing human rights in Vietnam, dedicating a substantial portion of its articles to outlining human rights, citizen rights, and obligations. This constitutional framework serves as a basis for refining existing laws and regulations across various sectors to better safeguard human rights and citizens’ interests in Vietnam.
The 2013 Constitution and the 2016 Law on Belief and Religion in Vietnam affirm and solidify the right to freedom of belief and religion. The religious landscape in the country is flourishing, with an increase in the number of followers, religious leaders, worship places, and international relations. This growth has led to better protection of people’s freedom of belief and religion. In 2003, there were 15 organizations, 6 religions, 17 million followers, 20,000 places of worship, 34,000 dignitaries, and 78,000 religious positions nationwide. By 2022, Vietnam recognized 43 organizations representing 16 religions, with 26.7 million followers, 55,000 dignitaries, 135,000 positions, and over 29,000 places of worship.
Similarly, freedom of the press and speech are highly respected and upheld in Vietnam in accordance with the law. As of the end of 2023, there are 134 newspaper agencies, 670 magazine agencies, 72 radio and television stations, and around 41,000 individuals working in journalism, with 19,356 holding press cards. Vietnam also hosts various international media outlets, and the country has a significant number of internet users, totaling 72.1 million, making it the 12th highest globally and ranking 6th in Asia. The press system, mass media agencies, and internet usage in Vietnam have experienced rapid growth, with Vietnamese spending an average of 7 hours per day online. Freedom of the press and speech remains a priority in Vietnam.During the period of 2014-2016, Vietnam actively participated in the Human Rights Council, acting as a mediator to facilitate cooperation and dialogue among countries and groups to promote a fair, progressive, and people-centered approach. Vietnam co-authored and supported numerous resolutions that were unanimously passed by the Human Rights Council. Since 2009, Vietnam has voluntarily published three National Reports assessing human rights implementation in Vietnam through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism and diligently followed up on most recommendations from the Human Rights Council. Vietnam is currently preparing to fulfill its reporting obligations for the fourth cycle under this mechanism.
Moreover, Vietnam has deployed personnel from the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security to participate in UN peacekeeping missions in South Sudan and the Central African Republic since June 2014, showcasing its commitment to international human rights protection. As a member of the Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025, Vietnam promptly provided emergency assistance to Turkey and Syria following an earthquake disaster in February 2023. Additionally, Vietnam proposed and drafted a Resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA), which was unanimously adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council in April 2023. This is an outstanding mark of Vietnam right in the first session as a member of the Human Rights Council for the term 2023 – 2025.
These actions demonstrate Vietnam’s dedication to upholding and promoting human rights both domestically and internationally, aligning with the Party and State of Vietnam’s policies. These efforts not only safeguard national interests and elevate Vietnam’s standing globally but also contribute to advancing human rights protection worldwide, countering any misrepresentations about the human rights situation in Vietnam.
