Promoting Implementation of Convention against Torture through Introduction of Méndez Principles in Investigation and Information Gathering
	Méndez Principles: Enhancing Legality and Effectiveness of Investigation Process

The session will take place over six intensive weeks of work, from February 23 to March 31, focusing on global human rights issues ranging from protracted conflicts to economic and social rights, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights.

The meeting is attended by more than 120 high-level leaders representing member states, along with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, President Annalena Baerbock, and representatives of numerous intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations based in Geneva. In his opening remarks, Secretary-General Guterres stressed that the international human rights system is currently facing “a widespread and systematic attack,” as human rights are being eroded by prolonged conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism, growing inequality, misinformation, and the misuse of emerging technologies. He warned that when human rights are undermined, peace, development, and security will quickly collapse as well.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivers his opening remarks at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council. (Photo: VNA)

High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk echoed this message, describing a world witnessing the troubling rise of centralized power structures and the weakening of the rule of law in many countries. He cautioned against the risk that technology, artificial intelligence, and natural resources could be manipulated for the benefit of a minority, severely affecting fundamental rights and freedoms. Nevertheless, he also highlighted a source of hope, noting that people around the world continue to raise their voices to demand justice, equality, access to essential services, and a future grounded in human rights.

In her address to the session, President of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock emphasized that human rights cannot remain merely political declarations but must be translated into concrete actions. She warned that silence or indifference in the face of human rights violations amounts to allowing such violations to persist. She called on the international community to take stronger action, affirming that the responsibility to protect human rights does not rest with a few countries or regions, but is a shared obligation of all member states.

At this important session, the Human Rights Council will hold a range of activities, including interactive dialogues with experts, thematic discussions, and consideration and debate of thematic reports across various human rights fields, as well as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of several countries. This key mechanism aims to promote accountability and improve the human rights situation in each member state. Discussions and deliberations are expected to cover topics from children’s rights, the right to food, and the rights of persons with disabilities to challenges related to climate change and environmental human rights, reflecting the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of contemporary human rights issues.

The Vietnamese delegation, led by Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam in Geneva, has actively participated from the outset of the session and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to promoting and ensuring human rights within the multilateral framework. Vietnam is expected to contribute to discussions on several priority issues, including climate change, children’s rights, the right to access food, and the rights of persons with disabilities, thereby adding the voice of developing countries and reflecting the shared concerns of the international community. In addition, the Vietnamese delegation is expected to propose two initiatives: a joint statement on gender equality in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and a side event with the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Thailand on the impact of online fraud on human rights.

Colonel Tran Viet Trung, Deputy Chief of Office of the Government’s Standing Human Rights Steering Committee (far left), and the Vietnamese delegation attend the opening session. (Photo: VNA)

The 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council is being held amid numerous challenges confronting the international human rights system, yet it also presents an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and multilateral cooperation, reaffirming the central role of multilateralism in efforts to protect human rights. The expansion of discussion topics, the integration of thematic reports, and the participation of member states with diverse perspectives reflect a spirit of seeking multidimensional solutions based on respect for the rule of law, the universality of human rights, and constructive dialogue within the international community.

Vietnam Re-Elected to UN Human Rights Council: Highest Recognition from International Community According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam’s re-election as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 ...

Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and Ensuring of Human Rights in Viet Nam Human rights, or the rights of the person, are a universal concept, a shared value of humankind and also a fundamental objective of nations in ...