Hanoi (VNA) - Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative ofVietnam to the United Nations, has affirmed the importance of internationalhumanitarian efforts as well as Vietnam’s commitments to contribute to theseactivities.

Addressing the three-day UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)Humanitarian Affairs Segment, which concluded on June 23, Giang said that in2022, Vietnam has donated 500,000 USD to the UN’s humanitarian funds and 1million USD to the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) mechanism.

Vietnam has also coordinated with other ASEAN member states,through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) and UNoffices, to provide humanitarian assistance for Myanmar people.

The diplomat affirmed that peace and stability areprerequisites to ensure safe and uninterrupted humanitarian access for those inneed.

Humanitarian activities should be based on the principles ofneutrality, impartiality and independence, upholding the UN Charter andinternational humanitarian law, in accordance with the conditions, needs andcircumstances of each country, he stressed.

He said that countries have the most important roles andresponsibilities in addressing the root causes of conflicts and humanitariancrises in a comprehensive way; and should strengthen their capacity to prevent diseases,reduce climate and environmental risks, strengthen early warning systems andpreparedness, and increase financing for adaptation and resilience.

The Vietnamese Ambassador also emphasised the need tostrengthen coordination and build trust between UN offices and Governments andstakeholders in action, finance and data sharing to promptly respond to emergingglobal humanitarian challenges.

He also took the occasion to send his deep condolences tothe Afghan people affected by the strong earthquake in Paktika province on June22.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that globalmegatrends are converging into a mega-crisis of conflict, climate disruption,hunger and the rising cost of living.

“These challenges require us to step up our efforts tosupport a strong, flexible, well-resourced humanitarian system that is betterequipped to reach and protect even the most isolated and marginalized people,”he added.

ECOSOC President Colin Vixen Kelapile emphasized that womenand girls are more affected during humanitarian crises, such as by gender-basedviolence, and limited access to education and development opportunities.

He called on the international communityto provide humanitarian assistance for those affected in the humanitariancrisis, to draw lessons and innovate to maximise the effectiveness of humanitarianactivities.

The event closed on June 23 with countries committing to bolstering humanitarian efforts around the globe./.