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 theSocialist Republic of Vietnam
Atthe High-level Segment of the 49th Regular Session
ofthe 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 drainingresources, disrupting economies, deepening existing divides and inequalities, effectivelywiping out years of development progress. For the first time in decades, extremepoverty is, once again, on the rise.

Meanwhile, violence and armed conflictscontinue to breakout and rage on in many areas, threatening peace, stabilityand development, undermining prospect of a robust, sustainable recovery of the worldeconomy.

All this is on top of the existentialthreat of climate change and environmental degradation, which effects allnations and all peoples.

At the same time, never before, humanityholds so much power, enabled by advancement in technology and innovation, toinfluence and determine the characters of the world we live in.

Today’s technologies, if we so choose, canfoster 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 toshift towards a green, circular, digital economy which empower people, improvelivelihoods and protect the environment.

This opportunity urges us to build forwardbetter, to ensure everyone is equal in the pursuit of happiness, freedom andsustainable 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’sindependence in 1945, Vietnam has been taking on an unwavering commitment to deliveringto our people the very values that the UN is striving for.

People are at the heart of Vietnam’sdevelopment strategy. They are both the chief beneficiary and the principaldriver of  Vietnam's development process.

We seek to balance GDP growth with culturaland social progress, environmental protection and climate resilience.

This people-centric and holistic approachhas enabled Vietnam to effectively tackle challenges.

Vietnam’s GDP growth in 2021 was 2.58% andis projected to accelerate to 5.5% this year. Poverty rate continues to falland Human Development Index keeps improving.

Facing the pandemic, with the assistancefrom international partners, Vietnam has effectively launched the nation’slargest-ever vaccination campaign. Vietnam is now among countries with thehighest vaccination coverage with 97% adult population fully vaccinated.

We are now preparing for a green andinclusive post pandemic recovery.

Mr. President,

It was at this High Level Segment last yearthat Vietnam formally presented its candidature for membership of the HumanRights Council for the term 2023-2025.

We pledge to make positive contributions tothe 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 othermember states and stakeholders to uphold the principles of the UN Charter andinternational law, and strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the HumanRights Council through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.

We will promote the enjoyment of humanrights and fundamental freedoms in a comprehensive and holistic manner, in allcivil, political, economic, social, cultural and developmental aspects.

Our efforts willfocus in particular on the protection of vulnerable groups and combatingviolence and discrimination against them; the promotion of gender equality, especially for women andgirls in the era of digital transformation; and on protection and promotion ofhuman rights in addressing global issues, especially climate change.

And we will work to promote the right tohealth, particularly in the unpredictable context of Covid-19 and othercommunicable diseases; the right to decent work in joint efforts to achieve the2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the right to quality educationbased on equality of opportunity and universal access.

We do look forward to receiving thevaluable support of all UN Member States, and to work with all of you to builda better future for all.

Thank you./.