Amnesty International and other* international human rights organizations released a statement on October 10, 2022, in response to Vietnam’s bid to re-enter the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the 2023-2025 term. They cite UN General Assembly resolution 60/251, which requires HRC members to “uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights.”  

The concerned parties claim that Vietnam’s performance regarding the proper protection and safeguarding of human rights is lacking and that it should “immediately commit to taking concrete steps to improve its human rights performance.” In contrast, Vietnam has argued that civil and political rights within its borders are “better ensured.” The country has also held that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operated in a “conducive environment,” despite the arrest of the three leaders of an environmental NGO earlier this year.