Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam (Photo: VNA) She commended the government of Vietnam fortheir efforts to track the implementation of its UPR commitments under thethird cycle review and reporting process.
“The fact that Vietnam has decided to develop aUPR mid-term report, which is voluntary, shows the country’s strong commitmentand determination to follow the recommendations it received and accepted duringthe third cycle review,” she said. “This commitment is particularly importantas Vietnam presents itself as a candidate for UN Human Rights Councilmembership.”
According to Wiesen, among many benefits thatthe UPR mid-term reporting mechanism can bring is the opportunity for thecountry to look back and reflect on the progress that has been made – what hasworked, as well as on where further progress is needed.
Vietnam has seen advances in economic, socialand cultural rights, reflected by improvements in the Multidimensional PovertyIndex. Advances have also been observed in governance and the rule of law, butmore work is required to ensure equal access to justice and inclusiveparticipation of the most vulnerable, including, ethnic minorities and peoplewith disabilities, among others – all topics featured in third cycle UPRrecommendations.
By examining the level of implementation ofrecommendations across all areas, the country will be in a strong position toshare its successes and support other States facing similar challenges, as itstands before its peers in the fourth UPR cycle in 2024, the UNDP officialsaid.
She held that the COVID-19 pandemic haspresented unique challenges for the protection of human rights around theworld, including in Vietnam, but it should not put a pause in UPRimplementation.
On the contrary, tackling the virus andimproving human rights is in line with accepted UPR recommendations and shouldmove together hand-in-hand. Responses to the pandemic that respect humanrights and dignity will result in better, more inclusiveoutcomes in battling COVID-19. It will also help to ensure healthcare foreveryone while spurring inclusive, sustainable development, Wiesen added.
Since the UPR mechanism was set up in 2008,Vietnam has participated in three UPR cycles - in 2009, 2014, and 2019. It isworking to implement the recommendations it accepted during the third cyclereview.
Since each UPR cycle lasts for about five years,to make timely updates on their recommendation implementation and demonstrate theirsense of responsibility towards the UPR mechanism and the human rightspromotion, some countries submit mid-term reports to the HRC, which is avoluntary practice highly valued by the international community./.
VNA
