International Mechanism Submissions

This report addresses Viet Nam's compliance with its international human rights obligations with respect to the death penalty, prohibition of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and administration of justice and the right to a fair trial.

Since its 2019 Universal Periodic Review, Viet Nam has not abolished the death penalty or implemented a moratorium on executions, nor has it limited the application of the death penalty to the most serious crimes.

This report examines the current state of the death penalty in Viet Nam and recommends Viet Nam (1) abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This report also recommends, in the meantime, that Viet Nam: (2) introduce a moratorium on executions, (3)limit the death penalty to the most serious crimes in which the defendant kills with the intent to kill, (4) take comprehensive steps to eliminate the use of torture, and (5)ensure that authorities respect and fulfill fair trial guarantees and due process rights.