Việt Nam calls for efforts to ensure human rights for all

Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, and other international organisations Mai Phan Dũng (right) at the debate. — VNA/VNS Photo

GENEVA — Ambassador Mai Phan Dũng, Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation, and other international organisations in Geneva, has recently delivered a speech at a general debate on UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s Global Update on the human rights situation, held within the framework of the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Dũng highly valued the active role and efforts of the UN High Commissioner in advancing the work of the UNHRC, while affirming Việt Nam's support for the activities of the Office of the High Commissioner in promoting and protecting human rights amidst ongoing conflicts and crises around the world.

He highlighted Việt Nam's development policy, which places people at the centre, and views them as not only the subject but also the goal and the driving force of development towards achieving sustainable development goals.

The ambassador stressed the need to promote initiatives and actions at national, regional, and international levels to address the negative impacts of global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity, which are threatening the enjoyment of human rights for people worldwide, especially vulnerable groups, as well as the ability to achieve sustainable development goals.

He reaffirmed Việt Nam's commitment to fostering practical dialogue and effective cooperation with all UN member states and human rights mechanisms.

Dũng also expressed regret over the fact that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and some countries have mentioned Việt Nam based on one-sided, inaccurate, and unverified information. He clarified that Việt Nam supports fundamental principles of universality, fairness, objectivity, non-selectivity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of nations.

On September 11, Ambassador Dũng attended and delivered a speech at a panel discussion on promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities.

He highlighted the importance of timely international cooperation, given that many countries are facing significant challenges in advancing and protecting economic, social, and cultural rights, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic instability; and many are struggling to ensure that vulnerable and disadvantaged groups have access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and social protection.

As for Việt Nam, the diplomat emphasised significant progress in poverty reduction, expanding universal healthcare, and improving access to education through comprehensive development policies and international cooperation. He also noted challenges, particularly in ensuring that rapid economic growth does not leave anyone behind, especially in rural and remote areas.

At the UNHRC’s 57th session, held in Geneva from September 9 to October 11, Việt Nam continues to work actively as a member of the Council for the 2023-25 term. During this session, the Council will adopt Việt Nam’s report of the fourth-cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group.