Human Rights
Norway wishes to promote the development of rule of law, democracy and human rights in Vietnam, both through close bilateral cooperation and via Norwegian and international organizations. Vietnam and Norway have had an annual Human Rights Dialogue since 2003, where topics such as criminology, the death penalty, freedom of expression and gender equality are part of the discussions.
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented: “Supporting human rights defenders has high priority in Norway’s efforts to strengthen human rights and is an investment in the rule of law and democracy.” Read more
The Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen continues to inspire young generations all over the world, including Vietnam, where young people have been inspired to write essays about gender equality through the Norwegian-sponsored project “Prolonging Nora’s Story”. Read more
10 December 2010 is the annual United Nations Human Rights Day. This year it is dedicated to human rights defenders who fight against discrimination. Protecting human rights defenders is a main priority in Norway’s human rights policy. Read more
The Norwegian State Secretary Mr. Erik Lahnstein led the Norwegian delegation to Vietnam for the annual bilateral Human Rights Dialogue on 23 November 2010. The State Secretary also held Political Consultations with Vietnam on 24 November, and paid a visit to Vice Minister Hai the same day. Read more
It was an historic occasion when the first Master Programme on Human Rights in Vietnam was launched in Hanoi on September 7, celebrating the Vietnamese – Norwegian academic partnership on human rights education. Read more
On 24 March 2010, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously adopted a Norwegian proposal on strengthening protection of human rights defenders all over the world. Read more
Since 2003, Vietnam and Norway have conducted an annual bilateral dialogue on human rights. Through the dialogue, both parties address human rights issues and discuss challenges in an open and direct manner. Read more