The delegation consisted of high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Government Inspectorate, the Office of the Government, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Supreme People’s Procuracy.
Immediately after Vietnam became a member of the UN Convention Against Torture, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) was assigned to chairing and coordinating with ministries, sectors and localities to develop the first National Report on the measures taken by Vietnam to fulfill its obligations guided by the United Nations. The MPS has learnt from the experience of making national reports from other members of the convention along with the guidance of experts from international organizations.
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| Senior Lieutenant General Le Quy Vuong, member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of Public Security. Photo: VNA |
On April 28th, 2017, the National Report was approved by the Prime Minister before being submitted to the UN Committee against Torture in accordance with Article 19 of the Convention.
The report provides an overview of the political, economic and social situations of Vietnam at the time of the implementation of the convention; the efforts and results in the implementation of its legislative, executive and judicial measures and other measures to prevent and punish acts related to torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. The report also identifies shortcomings and challenges that Vietnam faces while carrying out the convention and provides plans for effective implementation.
Along with the improvement in the policy system and legal framework on ensuring human rights and the right to not being tortured, and the prevention of torture-related acts, Vietnam has paid special attention to raising the awareness of officials and people of human rights and the fight against torture.
The report also listed a number of cases related to torture and the use of inhumane treatment which have been investigated and prosecuted recently in Vietnam. The results of those cases have shown the strictness of law in punishing guilty persons involved in torture, and the deterrence and prevention of violation of law against torture.
This is an important activity to demonstrate the seriousness and willingness of Vietnam to share and to learn, as well as the determination of Vietnam in implementing international commitments on human rights in general and anti-torture in particular. The activity also shows the active participation of Vietnam in contributing to international affairs, especially the promotion and protection of human rights.
