(Illustrative photo: VOV)

The election, which was held at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday in New York, marks a historic milestone, reflecting the UN and international community’s trust in Vietnam’s position, prestige, and concrete contributions to human rights promotion and protection and reaffirming Vietnam’s standing in multilateral cooperation.

With 180 out of 190 votes, Vietnam was the only Asia-Pacific nation re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term. It’s the third time Vietnam has held this position. It previously served on the council in the 2014–2016 and 2023–2025 terms.

International recognition and appreciation

The election recognizes Vietnam’s active and responsible participation in activities of the UN Human Rights Council since its establishment in 2006.

The international community’s trust in Vietnam demonstrates their recognition of Vietnam’s growing role, prestige, and potential on the global stage, its strong commitment to multilateralism, and its achievements in human development, social justice, and the protection and promotion of human rights.

At the Human Rights Council and other multilateral forums, Vietnam is seen as a nation entering a new era with political stability, rapid economic growth, deep international integration, and remarkable progress in social welfare, culture, healthcare, education, and protection of vulnerable groups, ensuring that no one is left behind. The UN’s and the international community’s strong support for Vietnam is an endorsement of Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang said: “The election of Vietnam to continue serving on the UN Human Rights Council at the end of the 2023–2025 term demonstrates high confidence in Vietnam’s balanced, cooperative, and dialogue-based approach, and reflects expectations that Vietnam will contribute to human rights cooperation in a highly complex global situation.”

Vietnam’s re-election to the UNSC and its hosting of the UN Convention on Cybercrime signing ceremony on October 25–26 reflect the Politburo’s Resolution 59 on international integration in the new context and affirm Vietnam’s transition from being a proactive, responsible partner of the international community to being a country that helps shape global issues.

Promoting human rights

During the UN Human Rights Council’s 2026–2028 term, which will begin on January 1, 2026, Vietnam will promote eight priority areas to enhance the Council’s effectiveness, while contributing to global efforts to address shared human rights concerns.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang said: “In the 2023–2025 term, Vietnam’s guiding motto was ‘Respect and understanding – Dialogue and cooperation – All human rights for all people.’ In the upcoming term, we will continue this approach and build upon the priorities already advanced, such as protecting human rights in the context of climate change, in the digital era, and empowering women. Given the evolving global situation, Vietnam will work with other members to introduce new initiatives and strengthen cooperation to more effectively address current international human rights concerns.”

When running for the 2026–2028 term, Vietnam introduced 12 voluntary commitments in various human rights areas, which are closely aligned with Vietnam’s strategic national development priorities in the new era.

Vietnam’s re-election to the UN Human Rights Council is a diplomatic success and a reflection of international confidence. From joining UN peacekeeping missions and providing humanitarian aid during the COVID-19 pandemic to initiating green recovery programs, Vietnam has proven to be an active link in the global chain.