Overview of the 30th session of the UNHRC (Source: United Nations)
The 30th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) opened in Geneva on September 14 with a busy agenda for its 17 scheduled days.
The event gathered ambassadors and representatives from 47 member countries of the HRC, more than 100 observing countries, UN agencies and international and non-governmental organisations on human rights.
The Vietnamese delegation to the event was led by Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN.
The session marks the second year of Vietnam’s service as a dynamic and responsible member of the council during the 2014-2016 tenure.
Ambassador Thanh is also working as the co-coordinator of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the HRC this year.
In his remarks, UN High Commissioner of Human Rights Zei Ra’ad Al Hussein stressed the need for the countries to expand their cooperation in settling urgent issues, especially those regarding the migrant crisis in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.
He called on nations to abide by recommendations in line with the Universal Periodic Review and tighten collaboration with UN human rights mechanisms, including the UNHRC special procedures.
Al Hussein also suggested the countries pay attention to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other global matters – including climate change and poverty – in building and implementing human rights policies.
At the opening session, representatives of several countries and international and non-governmental organisations showed interest in protecting and promoting human rights, including those of normal citizens, migrants and and refugees who are victims of armed conflicts and terrorism.
Other delegates, particularly those from developing nations and members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), voiced their hope that the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights and other relevant UN mechanisms would step up affiliations and make information transparent to member countries.
The session is due to hear 70 reports presented by UN agencies and organise six panel discussions along with a range of dialogues.
It will consider and make decisions on more than 40 draft resolutions and decisions on other human rights-related issues.
Other matters such as migration, refugees, sustainable development, rights to clean water access, environmental hygiene, the death penalty and drug use are expected to be the highlight discussion topics for participants.-VNA
Vietnam supports the rationale, principles and targets of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism introduced by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), reported a Vietnamese diplomat.
Vietnam’s election as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the first time shows that the country has won high confidence from UN member states, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has said.
The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has approved Vietnam’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on human rights in the second cycle, acknowledging the country’s efforts in protecting and promoting fundamental human rights.
Vietnamese representatives actively participated in dialogues with United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)’s Special Rapporteurs on freedom of religion, belief and cultural rights on March 10-11 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, has called for promoting dialogue and cooperation to address human rights issues in Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and Myanmar.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
Overview of the 30th session of the UNHRC (Source: United Nations)
