Minister Bui Thanh Son spoke at the high-level meeting of the 55th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, on February 26 in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: Nhat Phong

On February 26, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son attended and spoke at the high-level meeting of the 55th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

Speaking at the meeting, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said that after more than 75 years of adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 30 years of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action, humanity is still facing many challenges.

Those challenges include strategic competition, armed conflict, climate change, food, energy, water insecurity, and many other social injustices.

The Minister affirmed that human rights can only be best guaranteed when peace, stability, and international law are maintained and respected, and the State puts people at the center of all policies, and ensures inclusive, and sustainable development.

55th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council.

According to the head of Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Human Rights Council needs to focus on promoting the highest priorities for the people.

They are the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights, the right to development, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Highlighting Vietnam's efforts in protecting human rights, Minister Bui Thanh Son said that in 2023, Vietnam's economy achieved growth of over 5%, with the poverty rate decreasing to 3%.

Vietnam also continued to spend an annual average of about 3% of GDP on social security. In 2023, Vietnam exported over 8 million tons of rice, thereby contributing to ensuring food security and food rights for millions of people in many regions of the world.

The Minister also reaffirmed Vietnam's priorities when participating in the Human Rights Council, including protecting vulnerable groups, gender equality, digital transformation, and human rights.

With Vietnam's contributions, strong commitment, and willingness to contribute, Minister Bui Thanh Son declared and called on countries to support Vietnam's re-election as a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term.

The Vietnamese delegation led by Minister Bui Thanh Son attended the High-Level Meeting of the 55th regular session of UNHRC. Photo: Nhat Phong

At the session, delegates from all countries emphasized that the world situation continues to develop in a complicated manner with increasing challenges to ensuring human rights.

These include armed conflicts and instability in many areas, especially in Gaza, along with a series of increasingly complex global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and food security.

Besides, the rapid and strong development of technology, especially artificial intelligence, is posing new challenges to fully and comprehensively ensuring human rights.

UN leaders also said that currently, armed conflicts and instability are seriously affecting the enjoyment of human rights.

They also warned of two wars against the poor and the environment, with vulnerable groups bearing the brunt of the consequences.

UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis called on the Human Rights Council to seek comprehensive common solutions, meet the concerns of developing countries and small islands on the issue of climate change, promote gender equality, and protect the rights of vulnerable groups.

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