International engagement update | August 2025

The Commission recently hosted a delegation of 20 academics from Vietnam for a study visit on business and human rights. This visit is the first of its kind under the Commission's Vietnam Human Rights Technical Cooperation Program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For 20 years, the Commission has worked with a range of Vietnamese partners to progress human rights in Vietnam.

The study visit was tailored to enhance the delegates' existing knowledge of responsible business conduct. It was co-taught by leading experts at RMIT's Business and Human Rights Centre, and UNSW's Australian Human Rights Institute, at their Melbourne and Sydney CBD campuses.

During the visit, the delegates attended the United Nations Business and Human Rights Regional Forum. They met with Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay and Ms Jane Duke, Australia's newly appointed Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking. The delegates also received a warm welcome from the Commission's President de Kretser, and an opportunity to connect with the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute at the RMIT.

The delegates departed Australia equipped with cross-cultural experiences, perspectives, and purpose-driven methods to incorporate human rights into their curriculums, research areas and teaching. Moving forward, the delegates will incorporate knowledge into their own training of students in Vietnam. After the visit, the Australian Human Rights Commission will also support future advanced training for university academics in Vietnam, which will be facilitated by members of the delegation themselves.