New York (VNA) – Progress in human rights can only be achieved by maintaining peace and stability, respecting the rule of law at both the international and national levels, and ensuring respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, said Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN.

At a debate of the Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Issues (Third Committee) of the 79th session of UN General Assembly in New York on October 22, the diplomat further said that for promoting and protecting human rights, it is essential to prioritise addressing urgent issues faced by people and to place people at the centre of all policies, adding that dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, rather than politicisation and confrontation, are the most effective ways to ensure human rights, contributing to promoting inclusive and sustainable development, and leaving no one behind.

He stated that Vietnam's struggle for national independence and reunification, and its efforts in socio-economic development all aim at the highest goal of ensuring the lives and rights of the Vietnamese people.

Remaining steadfast and consistent with this goal has helped Vietnam overcome numerous difficulties and challenges, becoming one of the most dynamic and rapidly developing economies in the world, he went on.

Giang highlighted the positive results Vietnam achieved in recent times, which are clearly reflected in its National Report under the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) approved by the UN Human Rights Council on September 27, 2024, affirming that human rights are not only a fundamental value but also a key aspect in Vietnam’s international cooperation policy.

He took the occasion to announce Vietnam's decision to run for a seat at the UNHRC for the 2026-2028 term, and called for support from other countries.

🎃 Delegates said the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide are facing multidimensional and complex challenges due to the impacts of war, conflicts, economic crises, and rising poverty and inequality. They underlined the need to strengthen solidarity, cooperation, and dialogue, and to pool resources to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, towards addressing these challenges and advance human rights./.