The 28th U.S.-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue concluded on January 7, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two countries on human rights issues. The dialogue, which took place on January 6-7, was led by Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Dafna Rand and included Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain and congressional staff, reflecting strong bipartisan support for advancing human rights in Vietnam.
The Vietnamese delegation was headed by Pham Hai Anh, the Director General for the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting also included discussions with religious groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), underlining the broad scope of the dialogue, which touched on critical human rights challenges.
Key Discussions and U.S. Recommendations
The discussions during the two-day meeting centered on a range of pressing human rights issues, with a particular focus on Vietnam’s implementation of recommendations from its UN Universal Periodic Review. The United States emphasized several key areas, urging Vietnam to:
- Protect the freedoms of expression and association, allowing citizens to freely voice their opinions and participate in civil society.
- Strengthen the rule of law and push forward much-needed legal reforms, ensuring equal access to justice and accountability.
- Safeguard the right to freedom of religion or belief, particularly for religious minorities and marginalized groups who have historically faced discrimination.
- Create an enabling environment for NGOs, recognizing the vital role these organizations play in Vietnam’s social and economic development goals.
- Release individuals unjustly detained, highlighting the importance of due process and human rights protections for all Vietnamese citizens.
The U.S. delegation made it clear that human rights must be prioritized for Vietnam to meet its development aspirations and to fulfill the commitments made as part of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides underscored their commitment to building stronger ties through open and constructive dialogues, with an emphasis on tangible outcomes that advance human rights protections.
The Importance of Constructive Dialogue
The U.S. and Vietnam have long maintained a partnership that has evolved from post-war reconciliation to deep collaboration on a range of issues, from trade to security. The Human Rights Dialogue is an important part of this partnership, allowing both countries to candidly discuss areas where progress is needed, while also fostering a cooperative approach toward achieving positive change.
Assistant Secretary Dafna Rand reiterated that the promotion and protection of human rights are foundational to U.S. foreign policy. The United States remains committed to supporting efforts that strengthen human rights protections in Vietnam and to ensuring that the U.S.-Vietnam relationship continues to evolve in a way that promotes both democratic values and mutual prosperity.
Looking Ahead
The conclusion of the 28th U.S.-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue signals a continued commitment by both governments to work together on advancing the rule of law and human rights, while tackling ongoing challenges. The dialogue itself is an integral part of U.S. engagement with Vietnam, signaling a determination to deepen collaboration on human rights through frank, constructive, and results-oriented discussions.
In the coming months, both sides are expected to continue their efforts, with a focus on translating dialogue into action, particularly in areas such as freedom of expression, religious freedom, and the protection of marginalized communities. The United States will continue to work with its Vietnamese counterparts, civil society, and religious organizations to ensure that the progress made is sustained and that the people of Vietnam enjoy the rights and freedoms to which they are entitled.
A Step Toward a Stronger Future
The U.S. delegation’s participation in the dialogue underscores the deep commitment of the U.S. government to promoting human rights globally. With both countries now looking toward the future, the 28th dialogue marks an important chapter in the U.S.-Vietnam partnership, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in advancing human rights and supporting Vietnam’s aspirations for a more inclusive and democratic society.