Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son delivered a statement at the High-level Segment of the 49th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland on March 2.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son delivered a statement at the High-level Segment of the 49th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland on March 2.
The following is the full text of his statement.
STATEMENT By H.E. Mr. BUI THANH SON
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
At
the High-level Segment of the 49th Regular Session
of
the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Mr. President,
I am honoured to address the 49th Session of the Council, at the time when the world is at a crucial juncture.
The COVID-19 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 prospect of a robust, sustainable recovery of the world
economy.
All this is on top of the existential
threat of climate change and environmental degradation, which effects all
nations and all peoples.
At the same time, never before, humanity
holds 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 empower 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.
Mr. President,
This year marks the 45th anniversary of Vietnam’s UN membership.
But for 77 years, since our nation’s
independence in 1945, Vietnam 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 Vietnam'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.
Vietnam’s GDP growth in 2021 was 2.58% and
is projected to accelerate to 5.5% this year. Poverty rate continues to fall
and Human Development Index keeps improving.
Facing the pandemic, with the assistance
from international partners, Vietnam has effectively launched the nation’s
largest-ever vaccination campaign. Vietnam is now among countries with the
highest vaccination coverage with 97% adult population fully vaccinated.
We are now preparing for a green and
inclusive post pandemic recovery.
Mr. President,
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.
We pledge to make positive contributions to
the work of the Council in the spirit of “Mutual Respect. Dialogue and Cooperation.
Ensuring All Human Rights, for All”.
We stand 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.
Our 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 on protection and promotion of
human rights in addressing global issues, especially climate change.
And we 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.
We do look forward to receiving the
valuable support of all UN Member States, and to work with all of you to build
a better future for all.
Thank you./.