Notable events:

• Hanoi Says it Guarantees Human Rights at the Universal Periodic Review
• UN Special Rapporteurs Raise Concerns over Le Huu Minh Tuan’s Health in Joint Letter
• Family of Dang Dinh Bach’s Struggle: “We Are Cornered in a Dead End”
• The 88 Project: Vietnam Arrests Labor Reformer Who Works to Legalize Independent Trade Unions
• Phan Tat Thanh, Former Administrator of Dissident Fan Page, Sentenced to Eight Years

Hanoi Says It Guarantees Human Rights at the Universal Periodic Review

Hanoi defended its human rights record during the fourth Universal Periodic Review in Geneva on May 7, responding to international concerns about declining civic space and increasing restrictions on individual liberties. The review session was recorded and broadcast live.

The Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet, proclaimed Hanoi’s guarantee of fundamental rights with examples of the country’s social stability and economic development. Several representatives from the ministries of justice, telecommunications, education and training, and public security also made speeches. They denied allegations that the government suppressed freedom of speech and assembly.