Vietnam wishes to take part in the United Nations Human Rights Council to contribute more to the international community’s efforts in promoting and protecting human rights in the world, said Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi. Nghi made the statement at a regular press briefing held by the ministry in Hanoi on Thursday while answering questions regarding Vietnam’s bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 tenure. “During the past years, Vietnam has gained many achievements in ensuring human rights in all fields of civil affairs, politics, economics, culture and society, which has been recognized by the international community,” the spokesman said. The promotion of human rights and the active participation of the people in all aspects of the country’s socio-economic life are important factors that ensure the success of the renewal process in Vietnam, Nghi added.

On that basis, the spokesperson said, Vietnam desires to participate in the UN Human Rights Council for the next tenure to make more contributions to the international community’s joint efforts in promoting and protecting human rights in the world. Nghi emphasized that Vietnam is confident in its ability to assume the role as a member of the UN Human Rights Council and undertake to contribute actively to the council’s activities to enhance its effectiveness, transparency, and objectiveness based on dialogue, cooperation, equality and mutual respect. When asked about when Vietnam will join the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Nghi said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has signed a Resolution authorizing the head of the Vietnam permanent mission to the UN to sign the Convention.