GENEVA — Việt Nam’s first national report on the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture was delivered to the UN Committee Against Torture in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday by Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lt. Gen. Lê Quý Vương.

Delivering the report, Vương said that after Việt Nam’s acceptance of the convention, the Ministry of Public Security was charged with co-ordinating with sectors and localities to develop the first national report on the measures taken by Việt Nam to fulfil the membership obligations.

The report provides an overview of Việt Nam’s implementation of the convention and its efforts and results in the implementation of legislative, executive and judicial measures and other measures to prevent and punish torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

It also identifies shortcomings and challenges facing Việt Nam in carrying out the convention and provides plans for effective implementation, Vương said.

He went on to say that along with the improvement of the political system and the legal framework ensuring human rights and the right not to be tortured, Việt Nam has paid attention to increasing awareness among officials and people of human rights and the fight against torture.

The report lists several cases involving torture and the use of inhuman treatment which have been investigated and prosecuted recently. Vương said the results of the cases show the severity of the law in punishing those involved in torture.

The report shows Việt Nam’s dedication to human rights and the Convention against Torture in particular.

Việt Nam is one of the six member countries of the UN Convention against Torture to present its report to the United Nations Committee Against Torture during its 65th session, held from November 12 to December 7. The Committee against Torture brings together 10 independent experts to oversee the implementation of the convention by member states.

The convention (also known as Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment) is one of the nine fundamental UN conventions on human rights. It was adopted on December 10, 1984 and became effective on June 26, 1987. Việt Nam signed the convention on November 7, 2013 and ratified it on November 28, 2014. On March 7, 2015, it entered into force in the country. — VNS