Vietnam re-elected to UN Human Rights Council with highest Asia–Pacific vote

The election took place on October 14 (local time) at the UN headquarters in New York, with 190 member states eligible to vote.

Vietnam is the only Asia–Pacific country currently serving on the council for the 2023–25 term to win re-election for the next term.

Alongside Vietnam, 13 other countries were elected to the UNHRC for the 2026–28 term, including India, Pakistan, Iraq, Egypt, South Africa, Mauritius, Angola, Estonia, Slovenia, Chile, Ecuador, Italy, and the UK.

“The result reflects the confidence and high appreciation of UN member states in Vietnam’s strong commitment and active efforts to promote and protect human rights, as well as its initiatives and contributions as a current council member,” the ministry said in a statement.

The re-election also demonstrates the international community’s trust in Vietnam’s open and inclusive foreign policy, its active participation in multilateral mechanisms, and its achievements in global integration.

It further underscores Vietnam’s growing reputation as a responsible and reliable partner for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

As a member of the council for the third time, Vietnam will continue advancing eight priority areas to strengthen the council’s performance, the ministry stated.

These priorities include enhancing the UNHRC’s operational efficiency, ensuring human rights in climate change response and digital transformation, promoting gender equality, protecting vulnerable groups, and advancing human rights education, among others.

According to the ministry, Vietnam made 12 voluntary commitments in various human rights areas as part of its candidacy for the 2026–28 term and has pledged to implement them earnestly in the coming years.

Vietnam was first elected to the UNHRC for the 2014–16 term in 2013.

The country’s new term will officially begin on January 1, 2026.