Việt Nam is drafting a new law to enhance the capability of its United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force. 

The first meeting of the law's drafting committee was held on Friday, chaired by Senior General Hoàng Xuân Chiến, Deputy Minister of Defence. According to Chiến, while Việt Nam has achieved success in its peacekeeping efforts, some regulations remain cumbersome for the deployment of peacekeeping personnel, requiring multiple levels of approval. This complexity makes it difficult to streamline deployment procedures, especially in emergencies where quick action is needed to ensure the safety of Vietnamese forces.

Additionally, some regulations fail to adequately prioritise and encourage female participation in UN peacekeeping operations, despite UN policy promoting increased female presence in peacekeeping forces. The new law aims to address these shortcomings by shortening the approval process and establishing more supportive policies for Vietnamese peacekeepers, with a focus on increasing female participation in UN missions.

During the meeting, delegates discussed the draft law's scope, applicability, and procedures for its development. They agreed that the law should cover personnel from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Safety, as well as civilians. Adjustments to the drafting timeline were also proposed to ensure thorough consultation and timely completion of the law.

In response, Chiến highlighted the importance of the new law, noting that participation in UN peacekeeping enhances Việt Nam's international standing and contributes to national defence through peaceful means. He praised the committee for its diligent work and the valuable input from various ministries and agencies.

The new law will align with Việt Nam's broader strategy for participating in UN peacekeeping operations, as approved by the Politburo and outlined in the Ministry of National Defence's and Ministry of Public Security's plans between 2014 and 2020. — VNS