On September 27, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, head of the Vietnamese delegation, delivered the opening remarks at the international dialogue “Integrating Human Rights Education into Educational Systems: Sharing Experiences and Lessons Learned.”

The event took place alongside the adoption of Vietnam's 4th-cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The dialogue, co-sponsored by Vietnam, the Philippines, Australia, and Italy, featured speakers from these nations, along with representatives from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The discussion was moderated by Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, head of Vietnam's Permanent Mission to Geneva.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet underscored the importance of integrating human rights education into national school systems, reflecting on 30 years of the UN Decade for Human Rights Education and 20 years of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (WPHRE).

He noted that countries and international organizations have implemented diverse, effective approaches to extend human rights education across all levels of formal and informal education. These efforts have included child participation in curriculum development and enhanced international cooperation on human rights education.

Despite these achievements, Deputy Minister Viet acknowledged the need for greater sharing of experiences and information, particularly under the WPHRE.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s belief that human rights education empowers individuals to protect their rights, fosters mutual respect in society, and supports the right to education itself. Vietnam’s initiatives, such as the “Project on Integrating Human Rights Education into the National Education System,” exemplify its commitment to this goal.

A priority for Vietnam during its 2023–2025 term on the UN Human Rights Council is advancing the right to education and human rights education. Through this dialogue, Vietnam aimed to contribute to preparations for Phase 5 of the WPHRE (2025–2029).

Dr. Le Xuan Tung from the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics shared notable results from Vietnam’s Project 1309, which integrates human rights content into national education.

These efforts include training teachers, publishing human rights education materials, and incorporating human rights topics into curricula from preschool to university levels. Additionally, the project has fostered international collaboration, such as partnerships with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Delegates from various countries shared best practices in embedding human rights education into subjects like civics and social studies at all educational levels. Some countries highlighted targeted programs for specific groups, such as girls, ethnic minorities, and public officials.

Elena Ippoliti, OHCHR’s Human Rights Education and Training Coordinator, emphasized a holistic approach involving five key components: policy development, policy implementation measures, teaching tools and processes, teacher training, and a supportive learning environment.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung noted that the dialogue provided meaningful insights into challenges and opportunities in integrating human rights education into national systems. These discussions would help countries advance their implementation of the WPHRE.

This international dialogue, along with Vietnam’s initiative on interregional declarations about vaccination and human rights, is one of two hallmark contributions by Vietnam at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council. These initiatives align with Vietnam's eight priority areas during its 2023–2025 term on the Council.

PV