Australia and Vietnam held the 18^th Australia-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue on 24 April 2023 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Australia’s delegation was led by Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for Human Rights, Ms Bronte Moules, and included staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Embassy in Vietnam, and Australian Human Rights Commission.

The Dialogue was frank and open, and covered a range of topics relating to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in both countries. These included but were not limited to protection of freedoms, legal reform, rights of diverse groups and cooperation on human rights in multilateral institutions. Australia’s contributions to the Dialogue were informed by consultations with Australian civil society in March.

The delegations also discussed Australian Government-funded technical assistance, including support from the Australian Human Rights Commission, to enhance the protection and promotion of human rights in Vietnam.

The Dialogue is an important part of our bilateral architecture. As we mark our 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Australia welcomes our engagement with Vietnam on human rights, which demonstrates our important and growing bilateral relationship. We also value our ongoing cooperation with Vietnam in the multilateral system including in UN human rights bodies. Australia again congratulates Vietnam on its election to the UN Human Rights Council for 2023-25.

We look forward to holding the 19^th Human Rights Dialogue in Australia in 2024, including the official side program, which will provide an opportunity for engagement with relevant stakeholders in Australia.