The US$1.238-million project, to be carried out for the next four years, will focus on raising Vietnamese officials’ awareness of international human rights treaties. It will also aim to help officials gain a thorough understanding of the country’s commitments as well as obligations in the field.

At the signing ceremony, UNDP Resident Coordinator John Hendra said that Vietnam is one of the first countries have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

He also noted that the country has been making important contributions to the United Nations Security Council since January and is proving to be an active member of the international community.

Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam places importance on international cooperation in human rights to ensure those rights are exercised and promoted in the country.

“Making and completing institutions and policies are vivid evidence of the Vietnamese State’s efforts and endeavours in exercising the rights of international treaties already joined by the country,” Mr Minh said.