Addressing the forum, Deputy Minister of Justice Dinh Trung Tung emphasized the amendments should respect and ensure human rights, fundamental rights and obligations of citizens as stipulated in the 2013 Constitution.

They also need to recognise international treaties to which Vietnam is a party, Deputy Minister Tung said.

In turn, UNDP Country Director Louise Chamberlain noted three challenges facing Vietnam in reforming the judicial system. Firstly, the number of death penalty cases needs to be reduced in order to comply with international norms, she said.

Additionally, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment must be given effect and the Criminal Law must be respectful of the human rights of all Vietnamese citizens.

She underscored the nation’s progress in these areas, adding efforts to improve legal institutions will help protect the safety and security of Vietnamese people and enhance social stability. At the forum, Ministry of Justice representatives presented major policies and solutions on the amendments to the Criminal Law.

Along with Vietnamese lawyers, UNDP international experts also gave opinions and recommendations to amendments and supplements to the Criminal Law in regards to international treaties which Vietnam is subject.