Geneva (VNA) – Vietnam stands ready to work closely withother member states and stakeholders to uphold the principles of the UN Charterand international law, and strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of theHuman Rights Council through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect, said a Vietnamese representative.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son made the statement at theHigh-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 theworld is at a crucial juncture. The COVID-19 pandemic is draining resources, disruptingeconomies, deepening existing divides and inequalities, effectively wiping outyears of development progress. For the first time in decades, extreme povertyis, once again, on the rise.

Meanwhile, violence and armed conflicts continue to breakout and rage on inmany areas, threatening peace, stability and development, undermining prospectof a robust, sustainable recovery of the world economy, he stated.

"All this is on top of the existential threat of climate change and environmentaldegradation, which effects all nations and all peoples," he noted.

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

According to him, today’s technologies, if we so choose, can fosterconnections and linkages to bring peoples and nations closer together, and can enhancedialogue, understanding and cooperation to ensure peace, stability, prosperity andto address the global challenges. We can choose to shift towards a green,circular, digital economy which empower people, improve livelihoods and protectthe environment.

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

The Vietnamese diplomat affirmed that since the nation’s independence in 1945, Vietnamhas been taking on an unwavering commitment to delivering to our people thevery values that the UN is striving for.

People are at the heart of Vietnam’s development strategy. They are both thechief beneficiary and the principal driver of the country’s development process.

"We seek to balance GDP growth with cultural and social progress, environmentalprotection and climate resilience. This people-centric and holistic approachhas enabled Vietnam to effectively tackle challenges, especially COVID-19pandemic".

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

Minister Son said it was at this High Level Segment last year that Vietnam formallypresented its candidature for membership of the Human Rights Council for theterm 2023-2025.

"We pledge to make positive contributions to the work of the Council inthe spirit of “Mutual Respect. Dialogue and Cooperation. Ensuring All Human Rights,for All”.

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

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

Vietnam's efforts will focus in particular on theprotection of vulnerable groups and combating violence and discriminationagainst them; the promotion of genderequality, 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 theunpredictable context of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases; the right todecent work in joint efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for SustainableDevelopment, and the right to quality education based on equality ofopportunity and universal access.

The session was attended by many high-ranking world leaders with morethan 140 heads of state, prime ministers and ministers of countries, thePresident of the UN General Assembly, the UN Secretary-General, theUN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and leaders of international and regionalorganisations and non-governmental organisations based in Geneva./.