A/HRC/57/7 9. Significant efforts had been made to improve the legal framework to better ensure human rights, with the adoption or amendment of 45 laws during the reporting period. The process of development of legislation was inclusive and transparent. 10. The rapid development of mass media, the Internet and social media had enhanced the freedom of the press, freedom of speech and access to information. The number of Internet users in Viet Nam exceeded 78 million, and 4G mobile network coverage now reached almost the entire population. 11. Viet Nam upheld freedom of religion or belief and promoted equality among religions, while prohibiting discrimination on the basis of religion. The country was home to various religions, with nearly 30,000 places of worship and more than 26.5 million followers of religion. Major international religious events had been held in Viet Nam, and the Holy See had recently appointed the first Resident Papal Representative in the country, marking a step forward in relations between Viet Nam and the Holy See. 12. Freedom of association had been recognized the first Constitution, in 1946, and had been strengthened since then, with 72,000 active associations contributing to the country’s sustainable socioeconomic development and community well-being. 13. In the face of the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Viet Nam had taken a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to protect the health and livelihoods of its people. Social welfare packages worth nearly $4 billion were allocated to support affected groups. As a result of such measures, multidimensional poverty rates continued to decrease, to 5.7 per cent in 2023. In a large-scale vaccination campaign, 266 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered over two years. Health insurance coverage had reached nearly 94 per cent of the population by the end of 2023. 14. Viet Nam had made significant strides in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, ranking 72 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index in 2023. The first national action plan on women, peace and security had recently been adopted. 15. Viet Nam recognized the interconnection between human rights and sustainable development, aiming for sustained economic growth while ensuring that no one was left behind. Despite the pandemic, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) had rebounded. During the reporting period, GDP per capita had grown by 25 per cent. The country continued to ascend the rankings of the human development index. 16. Viet Nam was committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and transitioning to a green economy. The country prioritized support for vulnerable groups and upheld transparency and inclusivity in the energy transition process. 17. Viet Nam emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation to promoting and protecting human rights and fostering tolerance, inclusion, unity and respect for diversity. It remained committed to fulfilling its obligations under the international human rights treaties to which it was a party. Viet Nam actively engaged with the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, and, at its invitation, the Special Rapporteur on the right to development had visited. 18. Viet Nam acknowledged the progress made must not lead to complacency as challenges and difficulties remained, including in the areas of poverty reduction, nutrition, gender equality, resources for social security and welfare, and the quality of administrative services. Legal and policy frameworks on human rights must also be improved. 19. Viet Nam pledged to continue to build a law-governed socialist State, advance public administration reforms, strengthen grass-roots democracy and fulfil its international obligations. It reaffirmed its focus on human rights education, the Sustainable Development Goals, gender equality, and an inclusive and just transition towards a green and digital economy. 20. As a current member of the Human Rights Council (2023–2025) and a candidate for a further term (2026–2028), the priorities for Viet Nam included enhancing the efficiency of the Council’s work, protecting vulnerable groups, promoting the rights to health and education, and addressing the intersection of climate change and human rights. GE.24-09937 3