Decree No. 01/2026/NĐ-CP detailing and providing implementation measures for certain provisions of the Law on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Forces

DECREE

DETAILING AND GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS

OF THE LAW ON PARTICIPATION IN UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING FORCES

Pursuant to Law on Government Organization No. 63/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to Law on Local Administration Organization No. 72/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to Law on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Forces No. 92/2025/QH15;

At the proposal of the Minister of National Defense;

The Government promulgates this Decree detailing and providing guidelines for implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Forces. Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree details and provides guidelines for implementation of Clause 4, Article 9, Clause 5, Article 16, Clause 2, Article 19, Clause 3, Article 21, Clause 4, Article 22, and Clause 5, Article 24 of the Law on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Forces; criteria for selecting the position of Commander of the Vietnamese Force at the Mission.

Article 2. Applicability

1. Officers, professional soldiers, workers, and civil servants in national defense, non-commissioned officers, soldiers, and units under the Ministry of National Defense; officers, non-commissioned officers, technical specialists, police workers, police officers, and units under the Ministry of Public Security who are assigned to participate in United Nations peacekeeping forces.

2. Officials, civil servants, and civil servants who are assigned to participate in United Nations peacekeeping forces.

3. Agencies, units, organizations, and individuals related to participation in United Nations peacekeeping forces.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Decree, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Inter-ministerial Working Group on Vietnam's Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (hereinafter referred to as the Working Group) is a cross-sectoral coordination mechanism established according to the Prime Minister's directive, assisting the Prime Minister in directing, coordinating, and resolving important cross-sectoral issues during the process of Vietnam's participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

2. The Permanent Office of the Inter-ministerial Working Group on Vietnam's Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations is located at the Ministry of National Defense and performs tasks according to the Working Group's Operation Regulations.

3. Commander of the Vietnamese Force at the Mission is the highest commander representing the Vietnamese Force at the Mission in administrative management and discipline maintenance with the United Nations.

Chapter II

PROCEDURES FOR ASSIGNMENT, ADJUSTMENT, EXTENSION OF SERVICE PERIOD, WITHDRAWAL OF FORCES
Section 1

PROCEDURES FOR ASSIGNMENT, ADJUSTMENT, EXTENSION OF SERVICE PERIOD, WITHDRAWAL OF MILITARY FORCES

Article 4. Assignment, Adjustment, Withdrawal of Peacekeeping Forces

1. When requested by the United Nations, the Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to implement procedures for new assignments, adjustments, and withdrawals of peacekeeping forces.

2. Procedures and formalities

a) Preparation of documents for submission to the Government

After receiving requests from the United Nations regarding new assignments, adjustments, or withdrawals of Vietnamese peacekeeping forces, the Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to prepare documents and report to the Government. The documents include: the Ministry of National Defense's report to the Government; draft report of the Government to the National Defense and Security Council and the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council on new assignments, adjustments, or withdrawals of forces; organizational structure and establishment tables of units (in cases of new force assignments in unit form); draft Resolution of the Government; request letters from the United Nations; other relevant documents (if any);

b) The Government considers the matter for submission to the National Defense and Security Council and the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council;

c) The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to revise and complete the Government's documents before the Minister of National Defense, acting on behalf of the Government and authorized by the Prime Minister, submits them to the National Defense and Security Council and the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council. Based on the decision of the National Defense and Security Council and the submitted documents of the Government, the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council will issue a decision. The documents include: the Government's report to the National Defense and Security Council and the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council; organizational structure and establishment tables of units (in cases of new force assignments in unit form); draft decision of the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council; request letters from the United Nations; other relevant documents (if any);

d) Based on the Decision of the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council, the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security assign specific forces within their respective jurisdictions.

Article 5. Rotation and Replacement of Peacekeeping Forces

1. By November 15 each year, the Government shall submit to the National Defense and Security Council the plan for rotation and replacement of peacekeeping forces for the following year.

2. Procedures and formalities

a) Preparation of documents for submission to the Government

The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to prepare documents and report to the Government. The documents include: the Ministry of National Defense's report to the Government; draft report of the Government to the National Defense and Security Council and the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council on the rotation and replacement plan; draft rotation and replacement plan; draft Resolution of the Government; other relevant documents (if any);

b) The Government considers the matter for submission to the National Defense and Security Council and the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council on the rotation and replacement plan;

c) The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to revise and complete the Government's documents before the Minister of National Defense, acting on behalf of the Government and authorized by the Prime Minister, submits them to the National Defense and Security Council and the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council. Based on the decision of the National Defense and Security Council and the submitted documents of the Government, the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council will issue a decision on the rotation and replacement plan. The documents include: the Government's report to the National Defense and Security Council and the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council; draft rotation and replacement plan; draft decision of the President - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council; other relevant documents (if any).

c) The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to revise and finalize the dossier of the Government before the Minister of National Defense, on behalf of the Government and authorized by the Prime Minister, submits it to the National Defense and Security Council, chaired by the President of Vietnam - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council. Based on the decision of the National Defense and Security Council and the submitted dossier of the Government, the President of Vietnam - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council shall issue a decision on the plan for rotating and replacing forces. The dossier includes: The Government's submission to the National Defense and Security Council, chaired by the President of Vietnam - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council; a draft plan for rotating and replacing forces; a draft decision of the President of Vietnam - Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council; other relevant documents (if any).

Article 6. Extension of term of service and withdrawal of forces in emergency situations

1. Extension of term of service

a) When the United Nations proposes to extend the term of service for Vietnamese forces at the Mission, the Minister of National Defense and the Minister of Public Security shall decide on the extension of the term of service for forces under their respective management;

b) The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to report to the National Defense and Security Council on the extension of the term of service for Vietnamese forces within ten working days from the date of decision. The file includes: Report on the extension accompanied by the Decision of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security; the United Nations' request document; other relevant documents (if any).

2. Withdrawal of forces in emergency situations

a) When the United Nations requests or based on actual circumstances, the Minister of National Defense and the Minister of Public Security shall decide on the withdrawal of forces under their respective management;

b) The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to report to the National Defense and Security Council on the urgent withdrawal of forces within seven working days from the date of decision. The file includes: Report on the urgent withdrawal accompanied by the Decision of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security; the United Nations' request document or the report recommending the withdrawal by the Commander of Vietnamese forces at the Mission; other relevant documents (if any).

3. Urgent withdrawal of all Vietnamese forces at a Mission

a) When the United Nations requests or based on actual circumstances, the Minister in charge of the Commanding Officer of Vietnamese forces at the Mission shall unify with the heads of ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees related to the decision on the withdrawal of forces;

b) The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and related ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees to report to the National Defense and Security Council (for military forces) and the Prime Minister (for civilian forces) within seven working days from the date of decision. The file includes: Report on the urgent withdrawal accompanied by the Decision of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security; the United Nations' request document or the report recommending the withdrawal by the Commander of Vietnamese forces at the Mission; other relevant documents (if any).

Section 2

PROCEDURE FOR NEW ASSIGNMENTS, ROTATION, REPLACEMENT, ADJUSTMENT, EXTENSION OF TERM OF SERVICE, AND WITHDRAWAL OF CIVILIAN FORCES

Article 7. New assignments, rotation, replacement, adjustment, extension of term of service, and withdrawal of forces participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations

1. Preparation of files for submission to the Prime Minister.

a) After receiving the United Nations' request for the assignment of Vietnamese forces to participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations, the Ministry of National Defense shall coordinate and guide related ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees to prepare the files. The files include: The Ministry of National Defense's proposal submitted to the Prime Minister; the United Nations' request document; draft decision of the Prime Minister; other relevant documents (if any);

b) The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with related ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees to report to the Prime Minister to issue decisions on new assignments, rotation, replacement, adjustment, and withdrawal of forces. The files include: The Ministry of National Defense's proposal submitted to the Prime Minister; the United Nations' request document; draft decision of the Prime Minister; other relevant documents (if any).

2. Based on the Prime Minister's Decision, the heads of ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees shall assign specific forces under their respective management.

Article 8. Extension of term of service and withdrawal of forces in emergency situations

1. Extension of term of service

a) When the United Nations requests, the heads of ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees shall decide on the extension of the term of service for forces under their respective management;

b) The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with related ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees to report to the Prime Minister within ten working days from the date of decision. The files include: Report on the extension accompanied by the Decision of the ministry, agency at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committee; the United Nations' request document; other relevant documents (if any).

2. Withdrawal of forces in emergency situations

a) When the United Nations requests or based on actual circumstances, the heads of ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees shall decide on the withdrawal of forces under their respective management;

b) The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with related ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees to report to the Prime Minister on the urgent withdrawal of forces within seven working days from the date of decision. The files include: Report on the urgent withdrawal accompanied by the Decision of the ministry, agency at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committee; the United Nations' request document (if any); other relevant documents (if any).

3. Urgent withdrawal of all Vietnamese forces at a Mission shall be carried out according to Clause 3 of Article 6 of this Decree.

Chapter III
AUTHORITY TO APPOINT, SELECTION CRITERIA, TASKS, AND POWERS OF THE COMMANDER OF VIETNAMESE FORCES AT THE MISSION

Article 9. Authority to appoint the Commander of Vietnamese forces

On the basis of the Working Group's recommendation, the Minister in charge of the main department shall consider and issue a decision to appoint personnel under their respective management to assume the position of Commander of Vietnamese forces for newly deployed Missions; and the next Commander of Vietnamese forces three months before the incumbent Commander of Vietnamese forces at the Mission concludes their term.

Article 10. Selection criteria for the position of Commander of Vietnamese forces

The Working Group shall determine the selection of the position of Commander of Vietnamese forces based on the following criteria:

1. Position according to the organizational structure of the United Nations.

2. Rank and title appointed prior to deployment.

3. Number of personnel of the main department at a Mission.

4. Management and command experience, including leadership skills, ability to handle complex situations.

Article 11. Tasks and powers of the Commander of Vietnamese forces at the Mission in implementing agreements between Vietnam and the United Nations

1. Support compliance and implementation of Memorandums of Understanding, agreements between the Government of Vietnam and the United Nations and the local government, and report to competent authorities in Vietnam on proposed recommendations.

2. Advise the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and related ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees (through the Permanent Office of the Working Group) on enhancing participation capacity in United Nations peacekeeping forces.

3. Work with the local government, international organizations, and other partners at the Mission, upon authorization from competent authorities, to promote bilateral and multilateral relations and resolve issues related to the activities of Vietnamese peacekeeping forces.

4. Monitor and guide Vietnamese forces at the Mission in performing assigned professional tasks.

5. Perform other tasks and powers as required by competent authorities in Vietnam.

Article 12. Duties and Authorities in Commanding, Directing, Managing, and Operating of the Commander of the Vietnamese Force at the Mission

1. Study and advise the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security, and other ministries and equivalent agencies, provincial People's Committees (through the Office of the Working Group) on commanding, directing, managing, and operating the Vietnamese force at the Mission.

2. Coordinate support work for deployment, rotation, adjustment, and withdrawal of the Vietnamese force from the Mission. Timely report and propose solutions to handle complex and sensitive situations and withdraw forces in emergencies.

3. Advise the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security, and other ministries and equivalent agencies, provincial People's Committees (through the Office of the Working Group) on administrative management and discipline maintenance tasks for the Vietnamese force at the Mission.

4. Perform other duties and authorities as prescribed by Vietnamese laws.

Article 13. Duties and Authorities in Participating in Investigation and Handling Violations of the Commander of the Vietnamese Force at the Mission

1. Coordinate with competent agencies and leaders, commanders of the Mission on administrative and disciplinary issues concerning the Vietnamese force at the Mission when requested by the United Nations and approved by the competent authority of the Commander of the Vietnamese Force at the Mission.

2. Protect the rights and interests of the Vietnamese force at the Mission, including compensation regimes in case of unexpected incidents.

Article 14. Information and Reporting System

1. Regularly or urgently, the Commander of the Vietnamese Force at the Mission reports on the implementation results of the tasks stipulated in Articles 11, 12, and 13 of this Decree to the Working Group (through the Office of the Working Group).

2. The Ministry of National Defense takes the lead, coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security and other ministries and equivalent agencies, provincial People's Committees to report to the Prime Minister, the National Defense and Security Council when required.

Chapter IV
MARKS AND SIGNS OF WEAPONS, TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT, AND TECHNICAL MEANS OF THE VIETNAMESE FORCE PARTICIPATING IN UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

Article 15. Marks and Signs

1. Weapons and technical equipment, technical means of the Vietnamese force participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations when performing tasks at the Mission shall be marked or painted with the letters "UN" in black (for military forces) or blue (for civilian forces).

2. For weapons and technical equipment: The letters "UN" shall have a uniform size suitable for each specific type of equipment; they shall be affixed or painted in appropriate positions that are easily recognizable.

3. For technical means: The letters "UN" shall have a uniform size for each type of technical means, at least 30 cm wide and 45 cm high; they shall be affixed or painted on the front, rear, sides, top, and bottom for flying means.

4. Technical means shall bear United Nations license plates and flags.

Article 16. Colors

1. Weapons and technical equipment, technical means of the Vietnamese force participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations when performing tasks at the Mission shall be painted white.

2. No national flag or national identification marks shall be painted or affixed on weapons and technical equipment, technical means.

3. The painting of colors and affixing of identification marks shall be carried out before deployment to the Mission.

Chapter V
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MINISTRIES, EQUIVALENT AGENCIES, AND PROVINCIAL PEOPLE'S COMMITTEES FOR PARTICIPATING IN UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

Article 17. Responsibilities of the Ministry of National Defense

The Ministry of National Defense is responsible to the Government for state management of participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, implementing the following contents:

1. Take the lead, coordinating with ministries, equivalent agencies, and provincial People's Committees to submit to or issue according to their authority normative legal documents, programs, and plans regarding participation in United Nations peacekeeping forces.

2. Take the lead, coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security to submit to the competent authority for new deployment, adjustment, and withdrawal of military forces; with ministries, equivalent agencies, and provincial People's Committees to submit to the competent authority for new deployment, adjustment, and withdrawal of civilian forces.

3. Take the lead, coordinating with ministries, equivalent agencies, and provincial People's Committees to establish, adjust, and supplement systems and policies for forces participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

4. Manage, command, and direct subordinate agencies under its jurisdiction to perform the mission of participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations and other related tasks assigned.

Article 18. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Security

1. Within its duties and authorities, coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense to manage state participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

2. Coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense and relevant ministries, equivalent agencies, and provincial People's Committees to build files for submission to the competent authority for new deployment, adjustment, and withdrawal of public security forces.

3. Direct subordinate agencies under its jurisdiction to perform the mission of participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations according to assigned functions and tasks.

Article 19. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Within its duties and authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes the lead, coordinating with the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security, and other ministries, equivalent agencies, and provincial People's Committees to implement the following contents:

1. Propose policies and guidelines on foreign affairs issues related to participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

2. Mobilize international financial, professional, and equipment support for training, education, and participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

3. Coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security, relevant ministries, equivalent agencies, and provincial People's Committees on passport preparation, issuance of diplomatic notes, visa assistance, and other related procedures for forces participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Article 20. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance

Based on proposals from ministries, equivalent agencies, and provincial People's Committees, the Ministry of Finance compiles and reports to the competent authority for consideration and decision on budget allocation to ensure participation in United Nations peacekeeping forces in accordance with the State Budget Law, Investment Law, and guiding documents.

Article 21. Responsibilities of Ministries, Ministerial-Level Agencies, and Provincial People's Committees

1. Within their respective duties and powers, cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance on matters related to participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

2. Build, manage, command, and direct forces under their management to participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations both domestically and at the mission site; coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security regarding administrative management and discipline maintenance of the force at the Mission.

Chapter VI
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 22. Effective Date

1. This Decree takes effect from January 1, 2026.

2. Decree No. 61/2021/NĐ-CP dated June 25, 2021, detailing certain provisions of Resolution No. 130/2020/QH14 of the National Assembly on participation in United Nations peacekeeping forces ceases to be effective from the date this Decree takes effect.

Article 23. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Ministers, Heads of Ministerial-Level Agencies, and Heads of Government Agencies, Chairpersons of Provincial People's Committees directly under the Central Government shall be responsible for implementing this Decree.

2. The Minister of National Defense, the Minister of Public Security, and other Ministries, Ministerial-Level Agencies, and Provincial People's Committees shall be responsible for monitoring, guiding, inspecting, and reporting on the implementation of this Decree.