She said participating in human rights protection mechanisms and promoting multilateral dialogue is a testament to Vietnam's enduring relevance of international human rights cooperation.

Vietnam has ratified seven of the nine core international human rights instruments, including the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT).

By ratifying these treaties, Vietnam has committed to aligning its national frameworks with international norms and to engaging in regular review processes.

According to Sabina Stein, 2025 will bring many opportunities for engagement, as Vietnam is scheduled to present before several key treaty bodies supporting the conventions’ implementation.

In March, it will engage with the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), followed by a review before the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in July. In October, Vietnam will appear before the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

This demonstrates Vietnam’s readiness to engage constructively in human rights dialogue with the international community.

Accepting recommendations is only the first step. The most critical task is turning them into tangible actions that improve lives. UNDP stands ready to support this effort, Stein said.

Vietnam’s role as a member of the UN Human Rights Council between 2023 and 2025 is another indication of its commitment to international cooperation. During its mandate, Vietnam has sponsored resolutions commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and calling for a human rights-based approach to climate action.

Looking ahead, Vietnam has announced its candidacy for a second term on the Human Rights Council from 2026 to 2028, signaling its intent to remain an engaged member of the international human rights system, according to the article.