EU and Viet Nam hold their Human Rights Dialogue

Joint press release

16 May 2022

The European Union (EU) and Viet Nam held their annual Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels on 16 May 2022. 

The EU and Viet Nam delegations expressed their mutual appreciation of the sustained progress in the overall bilateral partnership between the European Union and Viet Nam, which has been further strengthened since the EU - Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect in August 2020. 

They outlined their commitments to the protection and promotion of human rights within the EU and Viet Nam and to overcoming challenges in this area for the betterment of their peoples and societies. The two delegations elaborated their respective approaches, efforts and achievements in the EU and Viet Nam since the last Dialogue in protecting and promoting human rights, including in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In that regard, the EU welcomed Viet Nam’s progress, notably the robust social-economic development, the adoption of the revised Labour Code, the ratification of International Labour Organisation Convention 98 and 105, and the steps takentowards the ratification of Convention 87. The EU looked forward to effective implementation of the conventions and urged for the early adoption of the decree on workers’ representative organisations.

The two delegations exchanged views and concerns on the rule of law, the promotion of economic, social, cultural rights, labour rights, and rights of vulnerable groups. Particular emphasis was made by the EU on the importance of effective protection and promotion of civil and political rights, freedom of expression, association and assembly. The EU reiterated its position on death penalty, and proposed to further exchange information on this issue. The EU and Viet Nam highlighted that all human rights are universal, interrelated and indivisible and should be treated on an equal footing.

Progress and developments in the field of gender equality,rights of the child, human rights of LGBTI persons, and prevention of domestic violence and trafficking in personwere also discussed in detail. The EU and Viet Nam noted the important roles played by the media, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders and the need to facilitate their effective participation to make a positive contribution to each society, including in the context of the PCA and EVFTA.

The discussion also covered human rights issues at multilateral fora and the possibilities of cooperation in this area, including the fulfilment of international human rights commitments, especially the implementation of accepted UPR recommendations and obligations under treaties to which VietNam and EU Member States are parties.

The two delegations expressed their satisfaction at joint activities, such as EU JULE, and looked forward to future cooperation in good governance, rule of law, human rights under the EU Multiannual Indicative Programme for VietNam 2021-2027. In that context, the two sides also discussed Viet Nam’s successful term as United Nations Security Council non-permanent member 2020-2021 and the effective cooperation between Viet Nam and some EU Member States in the Council. Viet Nam also informed about its candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council in the term2023-2025 and its priorities if elected, including those related to development rights, climate change and vulnerable groups.

The EU and Viet Nam highlighted the importance of continued cooperation and an open and frank dialogue in this field, including through the annual EU - Viet Nam Human Rights Dialogues, contributing to the prosperous bilateral partnership, for the best interests of their peoples.