The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on December 12, celebrated International Human Rights Day and launched the Fourth Cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Hanoi.

The commemoration took place on December 12.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc said over the 74 years since its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has stood for common aspirations, goals, and demands on human rights. "To date, its ideas and values remain intact."

Ngoc affirmed that Vietnam highly appreciated the progressive ideas on human rights in the Declaration and other essential documents. The country has endeavored to implement policies to achieve outstanding results recognized and appreciated by the international community. Notably, Vietnam was elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) for the 2023-2025 period.

Emphasizing Vietnam's commitment to the Human Rights Council, Ngoc affirmed Vietnam's support and responsibility in the UNHCR's UPR mechanism, seriously implementing the third Cycle with 82.6% of the recommendations approved.

At the event, UN Resident Coordinator Pauline Tamesis congratulated Vietnam on being elected to the UNHCR for the 2023-2025 term. She considered this an excellent opportunity for Vietnam to demonstrate its efforts in protecting and promoting economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights following international human rights standards.

Appreciating Vietnam's commitment to the UPR process, Tamesis emphasized the close connection between the recommendations and priorities of the UNHCR and the UPR mechanism with the concerns of the convention agencies.

UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi affirmed that her organization would continue to support Vietnam in the fourth Cycle by strengthening the capacity of ministries, sectors, and all stakeholders, especially NGOs and youth.

Vietnam joined the United Nations on September 20, 1977, and since then, it has been given essential roles to contribute to the organization's operation and development. The country ended the term of five non-permanent members of the UNSC for 2020-2021 with numerous achievements.

The highlight of these contributions included that Vietnam proposed the UNSC adopt the UNSC President's Statement on Upholding the UN Charter in maintaining international peace and security, the Resolution on "Protecting the essential infrastructure to people's lives," and other documents and activities.

On October 11, Vietnam was elected to the UNHRC for the 2023-2025 tenure, marking the second time the country has been elected to the UNHRC. The country was elected to the council for the first time in 2013 for the 2014-2016 tenure.