Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. (Photo: Vietnamnet)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son delivered a speech at the High-level Segment of the 49th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland on March 2.

In his statement, he said that the pandemic is draining resources, disrupting economies, deepening existing divides and inequalities, effectively wiping out years of development progress. For the first time in decades, extreme poverty is, once again, on the rise.

Meanwhile, violence and armed conflicts continue to breakout and rage on in many areas, threatening peace, stability and development, undermining the prospect of a robust, sustainable recovery of the world economy, he stated, adding that clime change and environmental degradation is on top of existential threat

However, Son stressed that never before, has humanity held so much power, enabled by advancement in technology and innovation, to influence and determine the characters of the world we live in.

"Today’s technologies, if we so choose, can foster connections and linkages to bring peoples and nations closer together, and can enhance dialogue, understanding and cooperation to ensure peace, stability, prosperity and to address the global challenges. We can choose to shift towards a green, circular, digital economy which empowers people, improve livelihoods and protect the environment."

"This opportunity urges us to build forward better, to ensure everyone is equal in the pursuit of happiness, freedom and sustainable development, and that no one is left behind," he said.

The minister said 2022 marks the 45th anniversary of Vietnam’s UN membership. However, since Vietnam gained its independence in 1945, the country has been taking on an unwavering commitment to delivering to our people the very values that the UN is striving for.

"People are at the heart of Vietnam’s development strategy. They are both the chief beneficiary and the principal driver of the country’s development process. We seek to balance GDP growth with cultural and social progress, environmental protection and climate resilience. This people-centric and holistic approach has enabled Vietnam to effectively tackle challenges, especially the Covid-19 pandemic," VNA quoted the minister

Vietnam is now among the countries with the highest vaccination coverage and is preparing for a green and inclusive post-pandemic recovery, he stressed.

The diplomat said it was at this High-Level Segment last year that Vietnam formally presented its candidature for membership of the Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025.

Vietnam stands ready to work closely with other member states and stakeholders to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and international law and strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the Human Rights Council through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.

"We will promote the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms in a comprehensive and holistic manner, in all civil, political, economic, social, cultural and developmental aspects".

Vietnam's efforts will focus in particular on the protection of vulnerable groups and combating violence and discrimination against them; the promotion of gender equality, especially for women and girls in the era of digital transformation; and the protection and promotion of human rights in addressing global issues, especially climate change.

Vietnam will work to promote the right to health, particularly in the unpredictable context of Covid-19 and other communicable diseases; the right to decent work in joint efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the right to quality education based on equality of opportunity and universal access.

A UNHRC Session. (Photo: VOV)

The high-level session of the 49th UNHRC is taking place over three days from February 28 to March 2 and will draw the participation of more than 140 senior leaders of various international organizations and countries, including a number of heads of state and foreign ministers.

The session featured the participation of many high-ranking leaders and representatives from 47 member countries, in addition to over 100 observers of the UNHRC, along with inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations which are headquartered in Geneva.

The session will adopt around 24 resolutions and reports of 13 countries on the protection and promotion of human rights under the Universal Periodic Review Mechanism, and discuss the human rights situation in some countries, according to VOV.

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