UNHRC opens 49th session, Vietnam attends its high-level segment
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) opened its 49th session in Geneva on February 28, with the participation of many high-ranking leaders and representatives of 47 member countries and over 100 observers of the UNHRC, and inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations headquartered in Geneva.
An overview of UNHRC's 43rd session (File photo: AFP/VNA)
Geneva (VNA) – The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) opened its49th session in Geneva on February 28, with the participation ofmany high-ranking leaders and representatives of 47 member countries and over100 observers of the UNHRC, and inter-governmental and non-governmentalorganisations headquartered in Geneva.
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son attendedand delivered an online speech at a high-level segment of this session.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the session, UN Secretary-GeneralAntonio Gutteres stressed the importance of an equal access to vaccines againstCOVID-19, as the unequal approach demonstrates the disregard for human rightsaround the world.
He called on governments, pharmaceutical companies andpartners to urgently provide political and financial support for the globalvaccination strategy of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to soon achieve thegoal of 70 percent of the world population vaccinated.
The UN chief also appealed upon countries whenissuing social policies to follow the target of ensuring rights and opportunitiesfor all, and focus on poverty reduction, investment in education, protection ofthe rights of women and children, and response to climate change, environmentalpollution and biodiversity loss./.
Vietnam’s consistent policy of protecting and promoting human rights has been clearly shown in the context of COVID-19 posing unprecedented challenges to global efforts in protecting human rights.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has signed Directive No. 34/CT-TTg dated December 21, 2021 of the Prime Minister on strengthening the implementation of the scheme on integrating human rights content in the curricula of the national education system.
Vietnam's achievements in improving living conditions of people and ensuring human rights have been acknowledged and lauded by the international community.
The 17th Vietnam – Australia Human Rights Dialogue was productive and frank, and covered an extensive range of issues, according to a statement issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on January 13.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
An overview of UNHRC's 43rd session (File photo: AFP/VNA) 
