From climate and health to vulnerable groups

Within the 2023–2025 term alone, Vietnam has left a distinct mark with resolutions regarding climate change and human rights. At the 53rd Session of the HRC (2023), Vietnam, together with Bangladesh and the Philippines, initiated Resolution 53/6 on "Promoting sustainable livelihoods in the context of climate change," which was adopted by consensus with 80 co-sponsoring countries. The Resolution emphasizes the right to life, the right to development, and the livelihoods of people particularly the poor, women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in the face of the increasingly severe impacts of extreme climate events.

In 2024, at the 56th Session, the HRC adopted the annual resolution on climate change and human rights with the theme of "Just Transition," led by Bangladesh and co-proposed by Vietnam and the Philippines. For the first time, this Resolution places a central focus on ensuring human rights during the energy and green economic transition, requiring states to prioritize workers' rights to employment and social security when implementing climate commitments, ensuring that "no one is left behind".

Beyond the climate sphere, in 2023, the HRC also adopted a resolution drafted by Vietnam proposing the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. This reaffirmed the universality and indivisibility of human rights while promoting international dialogue and cooperation. These initiatives demonstrate that Vietnam is not merely "filling a seat" but is genuinely participating in "shaping the rules of the game," promoting a balanced approach between development, the environment, and human rights.

A style of dialogue, respect, and understanding

At the HRC forum, Vietnam consistently adheres to a foreign policy of "dialogue, mutual respect, mutual understanding, and cooperation for common interests." High-level statements by Vietnam at the 52nd, 55th, and 56th Sessions have all emphasized the principles of non-politicization, non-selectivity, non-confrontation, and non-interference in internal affairs. Simultaneously, Vietnam encourages the sharing of experiences and best practices regarding poverty reduction, social security coverage, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Vietnam's participation is assessed by many countries as "constructive and balanced": consistently seeking common ground among groups of countries with differing views; promoting resolutions with content that harmonizes economic, social, and cultural rights with civil and political rights; and balancing the requirement to ensure human rights with respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the historical and cultural specificities of each nation. It is this style that has helped Vietnam become a trusted bridge on many sensitive issues at the HRC.

Parallel to these substantive contributions, every time Vietnam runs for a seat on the HRC, lobbying campaigns appear from certain opposing organizations and individuals calling for votes against Vietnam, distorting facts to claim Vietnam is "undeserving" of Council membership. These narratives deliberately ignore objective reality and the assessment of the vast majority of the international community.

The truth is: in the election on October 11, 2022, for the 2023–2025 term, Vietnam received 145/189 votes (or 145/193 depending on the count), far exceeding the minimum threshold of 97 votes required. In the election on October 14, 2025, for the 2026–2028 term, Vietnam continued to be entrusted by the UN General Assembly with 180/190 votes, the highest number in the Asia-Pacific group and the only Asia-Pacific country serving the 2023–2025 term to be re-elected for the subsequent term.

If allegations of "lobbying" or "serious human rights violations" were true, it would be impossible for Vietnam to consecutively receive such high votes of confidence from UN Member States the entities that directly evaluate candidacies, national reports, and Vietnam's development realities. This overwhelming support is the strongest rebuttal to all distorted narratives misrepresenting the human rights situation in Vietnam. The voting results "reflect the broad support" of countries for Vietnam. The figures of 145 and 180 votes carry sufficient weight to indicate which side reflects reality.

A responsible member, a partner in shaping for common progress

From a development perspective, Vietnam enters the HRC equipped with achievements in poverty reduction, the expansion of social security, the improvement of the Human Development Index (HDI), and the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is these practical experiences lifting millions out of poverty, expanding access to healthcare, education, and social insurance that form the convincing basis for Vietnam to share at the HRC, rather than speaking solely through discourse.

Throughout its terms, Vietnam has not only participated in drafting resolutions but has also been active in review and dialogue mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), treaty bodies, and thematic reporting. The acceptance of a very high rate of UPR recommendations and the development of a national master plan to implement them demonstrate that Vietnam does not evade issues but is ready to listen, engage in dialogue, and improve institutions and policies in line with international standards.

It can be affirmed that Vietnam’s role at the HRC is gradually shifting from a "participating member" to a "partner in shaping": contributing initiatives, promoting consensus, and upholding the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.

In a context where certain forces exploit democracy and human rights issues to exert pressure and interfere in internal affairs, an approach based on dialogue, respect, and understanding, grounded in Vietnam's concrete development results, is the clearest and most convincing response. From the halls of Geneva to the daily lives of people at home, a consistent message is affirmed: Vietnam is a responsible member, actively contributing to the common progress of humanity, while remaining steadfast on the path of building a Socialist Rule-of-Law State that takes people as the center and "leaves no one behind"./.