Vietnam places people at the center of human rights protection and promotion

The assessment was made by Professor Reena Marwah, a researcher and lecturer in international business and global politics at Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, India, during a recent interview with the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) online newspaper.

Professor Reena Marwah pointed out that Vietnam's policies and strategies have created optimal conditions for citizens to work and enjoy the fruits of development. Furthermore, she noted that Vietnam's continued election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term affirms the country's resolute efforts in safeguarding and advancing human rights.

Emerging as a highly dynamic economy, Vietnam has significantly reduced poverty to nearly 3% while implementing numerous support measures, including subsidies for education, healthcare, and health insurance.

Since the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, the Vietnamese State has focused on securing employment and spurring industrial development, driving steady increases in per capita income that surpass many nations at a similar level of development. She emphasized that Vietnam has achieved remarkable growth rates coupled with expanded access to education, poverty alleviation, and governance systems dedicated to delivering essential services to the public. With a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.76 and a target to reach 0.8 between 2026 and 2030, the nation has made great strides in a short span, establishing a model well worth emulating by other developing countries.

Regarding key priority areas such as healthcare, education, and social security, Professor Reena Marwah shared that by the end of 2025, Vietnam’s health insurance coverage reached 95% and average life expectancy stood at approximately 75 years, showing the government's profound commitment to basic public services.

Targeted allowances for ethnic minority communities and low-income groups, alongside the government's promulgation of Decree 30 in 2025 establishing eligibility criteria for low-income workers under the National Target Program for Sustainable Poverty Reduction, have successfully expanded social welfare and security, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Dealing with human rights within the broader national context, the Indian scholar observed that following decades of fighting for independence and national reunification, post-war national reconstruction and the establishment of fundamental human and communal foundations were of paramount importance.

She noted that Vietnam, much like many Asian nations, deeply values collectivism and social harmony, wherein every individual bears the responsibility to build and advance the nation. According to her, every country has the obligation to promote and implement human rights for the broader benefit of the wider community and the common good, enabling national prosperity rather than serving the interests of a privileged few.

Evaluating Vietnam's role in international cooperation, Professor Reena Marwah affirmed that the country’s four participations in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism since 2009, alongside its tenure on the UN Human Rights Council, demonstrate a steadfast commitment to adapting, embracing diverse norms, and actively cooperation with the international community to shape and enforce human rights standards. Through these endeavors, Vietnam continuously builds administrative capacity for governance and elevates its standing on the global stage.

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