An US diplomat said on May 30 that the 13th round of dialogue on human rights between Vietnam and the US took place in a friendly, sincere and mutual respect atmosphere.

Viet Nam has built a new legal framework in order to protect the rights and enhance the safety environment for the country's workers, said an advisor to the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) at a workshop held in Ha Noi, on May 25.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women praised Vietnam for adopting new legal documents to eliminate discrimination against women and promote gender equality at a workshop in Hanoi on March 5.

Local and foreign experts have acknowledged Vietnam's endeavours in developing a legal framework to ensure women's rights. However, they have also voiced the need to draw greater attention from society to ensure gender equality in the country.

The recently-ratified Gender Equality Law proves progress has been made in Viet Nam's legal system, reviewed in an attempt to eliminate discrimination against women.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on December 11 issued a new report commending Vietnam’s efforts in eliminating gender discrimination.

Vietnam is firmly committed to "the promotion of gender equality and the advancement of women" and takes the enhancement of women's role and status a top priority in the national socio-economic development programmes.

Women of the 21st century need better conditions to develop their professional abilities," said Ha Thi Khiet, chairman of Viet Nam Women’s Union.

Ensuring gender equality in employment, job promotion, vocational training, and social sponsorship and dialogues was high on the agenda of a seminar in Hanoi on September 13-14.

On August 2, the Vietnam Women's Union coordinated with the Communications and International Fair Company presented awards to individuals and organisations that contributed outstanding achievements in economic activities and the advancement of women in the national renewal process.