Vietnam has become a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025, with 145 out of the 193 votes during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the US.

This is the second time Vietnam has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council. In 2013, Vietnam was selected for the first time to the Council for the 2014-2016 term with 184/192 votes, the highest among 14 new member countries.

The 14 new members of the Human Rights Council will serve a three-year term beginning in January 2023.

With its new role at the UN Human Rights Council, Vietnam will have the opportunity to contribute to the promotion of all human rights based on objectivity, cooperation and dialogue.

Participants at a session of the UN Human Rights Council. Photo: VNA

Vietnam will have a stronger voice on critical issues of the UN as well as of the international community, including the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda), response to climate change and migration, and promote the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, minorities, and migrants, particularly during humanitarian crises or armed conflict worldwide.

The UN Human Rights Council was established in 2006 by UN General Assembly resolution 60/251. The Council is an inter-governmental body within the UN human rights system made up of 47 States elected by the UN General Assembly, responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. Its primary purpose is to address situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.

The Council members can discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations requiring its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office in Geneva.