Opening of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council: Vietnam affirms its support for the United Nations' efforts to address global challenges

Taking place in Geneva (Switzerland) from September 8 to October 8, the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is the last regular session this year and also the last session that Vietnam participates in as a member of the UNHRC for the 2023-2025 term.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung speaks at the general discussion on the Update Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation worldwide , September 9.

On September 9, within the framework of the 60th regular session of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international organizations in Geneva, delivered a speech at the general discussion on the updated report of High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on the human rights situation worldwide.

In his speech, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung affirmed his support for the efforts of the UN, the High Commissioner and relevant agencies in promoting and protecting human rights in the face of current global challenges, including climate change, ensuring human rights in cyberspace and the emergence of new technologies.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung highlighted that Vietnam's development policy is currently pursuing a profound transformation towards sustainable and comprehensive development, placing human rights at the heart of its policies and practices.

At the same time, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung informed that Vietnam has recently successfully completed the Universal Periodic Report (UPR) cycle IV, successfully defended national reports on the implementation of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and is preparing reports on the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the International Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).

The Ambassador affirmed that these efforts demonstrate the strong commitment of the entire Vietnamese political system to fulfilling its international obligations. Accordingly, Vietnam has decided to run for the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term, with the firm support of ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific Group of Nations. At the same time, the Ambassador reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to promoting sincere dialogue and constructive cooperation with all countries and mechanisms of the UN, in accordance with the principles of universality, fairness, objectivity, non-selectivity and non-interference.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights presented the Update on the human rights situation worldwide, September 8.

Earlier, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk presented the UN Human Rights Council with an updated report on the global human rights situation, stressing the need for the world to protect 80 years of achievements in freedom, equality and justice. He expressed deep concern at the deterioration of human rights, where international law is violated or not implemented; warned of the harm to civilians in conflicts, limited access to humanitarian aid and lack of accountability.

Among the bright spots in the human rights situation in the world, the High Commissioner recognized the progress of a number of countries, including Vietnam, for abolishing the death penalty for eight crimes. This is considered a significant step forward in protecting the right to life and in line with the global trend of reducing the death penalty.

The High Commissioner also pointed out serious human rights violations taking place in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, Sudan and many other places where civilians have suffered heavy consequences from war such as death, loss of property, living in instability...; at the same time, he warned that if the international community does not take concrete action, human rights achievements are at risk of being reversed.

He called on States to recommit to universal values, international human rights and humanitarian law, increased accountability, transparency, multilateral cooperation, and stronger support for civil society. According to the High Commissioner, only a human rights-based approach can ensure a just, peaceful and sustainable future for all.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung and the Vietnamese delegation attended the opening of the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on September 8.

Taking place in Geneva from September 8 to October 8, the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council is the last regular session this year and also the last session that Vietnam participates in as a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term.

This session has a comprehensive agenda, including 6 thematic discussions on economic, cultural and social rights in the context of addressing inequality, quality education for peace and tolerance for all children, the right to development, the responsibility of the State for the role of the family in supporting the human rights of family members, integrating gender equality in the work of the Human Rights Council; discussions on 95 thematic reports, as well as discussions and dialogues with 37 special procedures of the Human Rights Council and UN human rights mechanisms. Accordingly, Vietnam developed a general statement at the discussion session on the topic of promoting human rights and access to health through vaccination. Along with that, Vietnam actively participated in organizing thematic discussions and consulting on decisions and resolutions.

This session also included discussions and dialogues on the human rights situation in 19 countries and territories, including: Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Sudan, Belarus, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nicaragua, Russia, Venezuela, Central Africa, Haiti, Somalia, Libya, Cambodia, Ukraine, Yemen, North Korea, Syria and Myanmar.

At this session, the Human Rights Council also plans to complete the procedure for adopting the entire UPR Report of the 4th cycle of 14 countries; at the same time, it is expected to consult and consider and adopt about 34 draft resolutions; and consider and approve the decision to appoint 1 person for the special procedures of the Human Rights Council.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/khai-mac-khoa-hop-60-hoi-dong-nhan-quyen-viet-nam-khang-dinh-ung-ho-no-luc-cua-lien-hop-quoc-truoc-nhung-thach-thuc-toan-cau-327918.html