UN agencies' reports on Vietnam's human rights 'unjustified'

"Despite the full representation of U.N. agencies in Vietnam and their long-term and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, the reports by U.N. agencies in Vietnam per the 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle have included false and unjustified information and many lies and unfair assessment that do not accurately and fully reflect the real situation, efforts and achievements of Vietnam pertaining to human rights, their protection and promotion," deputy spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet said at a press meet.

Viet said the construction of Vietnam's national report per the 4th UPR cycle mechanism was done seriously and comprehensively, with the full participation of relevant parties and U.N. agencies in Vietnam. However, the reports by U.N. agencies in Vietnam have not been transparent and did not reflect the true spirit and cooperation practice between Vietnam and the U.N., as well as the cooperation priorities that Vietnam and development agencies have agreed on.

"We hold the view that future cooperation between Vietnam and the U.N. development agencies in Vietnam needs to be implemented in accordance with functions and tasks of relevant agencies that Vietnam prioritizes and demands."

The Universal Periodic Review is a mechanism of the U.N. Human Rights Council that routinely evaluates human rights activities of U.N. member states and gives out recommendations.