UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review – 46th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Vietnam

7 May 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, President.

Australia welcomes Vietnam's efforts to promote the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, the forthcoming Gender Affirmation Law and Gender Equality Law revision, and clemency granted to prisoners sentenced to death.

Australia remains concerned by the mistreatment of detainees and prisoners, and stands ready to support Vietnam move toward a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, as a step toward its abolition.

Australia recommends Vietnam:

1. Reduce crimes punishable by death, including drug offences, that do not meet the threshold of 'most serious crimes' under the ICCPR.
2. Legislate transparent regulatory, taxation and approval frameworks allowing social organisations to continue contributing to Vietnam's social and economic development.
3. Enact laws to provide for freedom of peaceful assembly in line with the ICCPR.