Egypt and Vietnam are two countries that have recently come under scrutiny for their human rights records. However, despite these concerns, both nations are currently on track to secure seats on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026-2028 term. This may come as a surprise to some, but it highlights the importance of diplomatic efforts to promote and protect human rights on a global scale.
The UNHRC is the premier human rights body within the United Nations, with a mandate to promote and protect human rights around the world. This includes addressing human rights violations and making recommendations to member states on how to improve their human rights records. The Council is composed of 47 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly on a regional basis for staggered three-year terms.
On October 14, 2025, the UN General Assembly will vote to elect 14 new members to the UNHRC, including three seats for the African States, four seats for the Asia-Pacific States, two seats for the Eastern European States, three seats for the Latin American and Caribbean States, and two seats for the Western European and Other States. Among the 14 countries vying for these seats are Egypt and Vietnam, both seeking to represent the Asia-Pacific region.
At first glance, it may seem questionable that these nations, with well-documented human rights issues, could be considered for membership on the UNHRC. However, it is important to understand that the UNHRC does not exclude any country from membership based on its human rights record. Instead, it encourages all member states to make efforts to improve their records and engage in open dialogue on human rights issues.
Egypt, for instance, has faced criticism for its treatment of political dissidents, restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and reports of torture in its prisons. However, in recent years, the Egyptian government has taken steps to address these concerns. In 2019, Egypt enacted a new anti-torture law and created a National Human Rights Council to investigate human rights abuses. These actions demonstrate a willingness to address human rights issues and the potential for ongoing progress.
Similarly, Vietnam has faced criticism for its treatment of political activists and restrictions on freedom of expression and religion. However, the Vietnamese government has also made efforts to improve its human rights record, including the adoption of a national action plan on human rights and increasing cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.
Additionally, both Egypt and Vietnam have shown a commitment to participation in the UN human rights system. Both countries have regularly contributed to the work of the UNHRC and have engaged in constructive dialogue with other member states on human rights issues.
The election to the UNHRC is a noncompetitive process, meaning that there are no opposing candidates for the seats. Instead, member states must receive a majority vote from the 193 members of the UN General Assembly to secure a seat. This process allows for a diverse representation of countries on the Council and encourages cooperation and collaboration in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Furthermore, the inclusion of countries like Egypt and Vietnam on the UNHRC provides an opportunity for the international community to engage with these nations on human rights issues and support their progress towards a more rights-respecting society. This can be achieved through technical assistance, capacity building, and dialogue, which can all contribute to positive changes in a country’s human rights record.
It is important to note that being a member of the UNHRC does not automatically guarantee a perfect human rights record. Instead, it provides a platform for countries to engage with other nations and take steps towards addressing human rights issues. The UNHRC also has mechanisms in place to hold member states accountable for their human rights obligations, such as the Universal Periodic Review process, where all member states are subject to a review of their human rights record every four years.
Egypt and Vietnam are not perfect, but they have shown a willingness to engage with the UNHRC and make efforts to improve their human rights records. This is significant and should be recognized as a positive step towards progress. As we look towards the upcoming UNHRC elections, we must remember that membership on the Council is not about who is perfect, but about fostering a global commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights for all.
In conclusion, while Egypt and Vietnam may not yet be perfect candidates for membership on the UNHRC, they have shown a commitment to engaging with the international community and improving their human rights
