 The Vietnamese delegation attends the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council (Photo: VNA) |
At a high-level meeting opening the HRC’s 52nd regular session in Geneva on February 27, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang put forth an initiative on the commemoration of the UDHR’s 75th anniversary and the VDPA’s 30th anniversary with a resolution to reaffirm and augment efforts to achieve the targets of the two declarations, and uphold the international community’s commitment to human rights for all.
Vietnam’s hallmark
The resolution focuses on the importance of the UDHR and the VDPA and their fundamental principles on human rights. It commemorates the two declarations and calls for the improvement of the role, and efficiency of the HRC and UN human rights mechanisms. It stresses the leading role of countries in ensuring human rights, the recognition of women’s participation, the role of international cooperation and solidarity, and respect for diversity and inclusiveness in promoting and protecting human rights and in taking part in HRC activities.
The resolution asks the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to organize activities to mark the UDHR and VDPA anniversaries, including a high-level event on human rights in December and a report on the celebrations to be submitted to the HRC’s 56th session in early 2024.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said the Resolution is an example of Vietnam’s practical, responsible contributions to the Council.
"This was the highlight of Vietnam’s first session as a member of the HRC in the 2023-2025 tenure. The Resolution delivers positive messages about international cooperation and solidarity, respect for diversity and conciliation in international relations and in the HRC’s activities. This is Vietnam’s timely proposal which echoes the interests and priorities of the international community, raises awareness, and promotes determination and action to realize specific goals. That’s why the Resolution was adopted by consensus and co-sponsored by 98 states," said Mr. Son.
Vietnam’s practical contributions to HRC
Minister Son said the promotes consensus and cooperation at the Human Rights Council amid serious splits around the world. The Resolution demonstrates that Vietnam is an active, responsible member of the HRC and the international community. The Resolution has received strong support and praise from UN member states.
Minister Son said: "The Resolution is the result of close coordination between the Foreign Ministry, Vietnamese agencies overseas and other ministries and agencies. It reflects Vietnam’s dynamism, responsibility and commitments and strengthens Vietnam’s status inside and outside the HRC. It is in line with Vietnam’s motto “Respecting and Understanding, Dialogue and Cooperation, Human Rights for All’
The UDHR, adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, is not a legal document but served as a foundation for building international human rights law, documents on human rights within regional mechanisms, and laws of individual countries. It was one of the most important documents of the 20th century. December 10 was later designated Human Rights Day.
The VDPA was adopted by UN members at the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993. It reaffirmed the UDHR’s values and declared that the protection and promotion of human rights must be the top priority of every country and of the international community.