Vietnam: Human Rights Dialogue with the EU took place in Ha Noi
Viet Nam and the European Union (EU) held their annual Human Rights Dialogue in Ha Noi on 9 June 2023.
The Viet Nam and EU delegations expressed their mutual appreciation of the partnership between Viet Nam and the European Union, notably since the EU - Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect in August 2020 and through regular exchanges of high-level delegations.
They outlined their commitments to the protection and promotion of human rights within Viet Nam and the EU and to overcoming challenges in this area. The two delegations elaborated on measures for protecting and promoting human rights in Viet Nam and the EU since the last Dialogue.
The EU welcomed Viet Nam’s ratification of most core ILO conventions, while urging Viet Nam to ratify the remaining Convention 87 and to adopt the decree on workers’ representative organisations.
The two delegations exchanged views and concerns on the rule of law and access to justice, the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights and the protection of persons in vulnerable situations. They also committed to work for the further improvement of the enjoyment of civil and political rights. Particular emphasis was made by the EU on freedom of expression and association. Viet Nam and the EU stressed the importance of cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms in promoting human rights. Both parties highlighted that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated.
Progress and developments regarding gender equality, rights of the child, rights of LGBTI persons, and combating human trafficking were also discussed in detail. Viet Nam and the EU and noted the significant roles played by the media, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders and the need to ensure a conducive environment for their effective participation, including in the context of the PCA and EVFTA. The two sides reiterated their positions on death penalty, and agreed to further exchanges on this issue.
The discussion also covered human rights issues at multilateral fora and the possibilities of cooperation between the two sides, including the fulfilment of international human rights commitments, the implementation of accepted UPR recommendations and preparation for the upcoming 4th cycle of the UPR mechanism.
They also discussed and considered areas for cooperation especially during Viet Nam’s membership of the Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025. The EU noted the leading role of Viet Nam on the resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action, which reaffirms the international community’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights.
Viet Nam and the EU highlighted the importance of continued cooperation and an open and frank dialogue in this field, including through the annual EU - Viet Nam Human Rights Dialogues, contributing to the bilateral partnership.