The 20th Australia–Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 12 August 2025, a cornerstone event in the bilateral relationship. Co-chaired by Vietnam’s Director-General Pham Hai Anh and Australia’s Assistant Secretary James O’Brien, the dialogue brought together broad representation, notably including the Australian Human Rights Commission, reaffirming its importance within the two nations’ bilateral architecture.
The discussions were sincere, frank, and constructive, covering all aspects of rights in both countries: civil, political, economic, social, and cultural. Key issues considered included each country’s approach to human rights, including legal reforms and the rule of law, and measures that have been taken to protect the rights of certain especially vulnerable groups. This focused emphasis went to women, children, Indigenous Australians, ethnic minorities of Vietnam, and communities and individuals with disabilities, highlighting a joint commitment to inclusivity.
Notably, the two countries discussed the death penalty. Australia welcomed Vietnam’s commendable step of reducing the number of its capital crimes from 18 to 10 and encouraged further progress toward abolition. Vietnam also provided information on its internal efforts to make significant improvements with respect to the enjoyment of human rights, ranging from the completion of legislative work to administrative restructuring aimed at streamlining the state apparatus toward greater effectiveness in serving the citizenry.
Beyond domestic agendas, both sides have pledged their strong commitment to the multilateral system. They reiterated the importance of continuous cooperation within UN human rights fora and addressed practical potential for technical cooperation to further the promotion and protection of human rights in Vietnam. This commitment for joint action and cooperation, especially pertaining to the UN Human Rights Council, is explicitly articulated within the Australia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Plan of Action.
The Dialogue concluded with a shared acknowledgement of the vital and positive contribution from the media, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders. Both countries are committed to further cooperation towards creating societies that are inclusive, offer equal opportunities, and respect the human rights of all individuals without discrimination. The spirit of continued engagement will carry forward into the 21st Human Rights Dialogue to be held in Australia in 2026.
