Vietnam calls for dialogue to protect human rights in Burundi
Vietnam has called for dialogue and reconciliation to ensure security and human rights in Burundi in the wake of mounting violence in the African nation.
Burundian people at a refuge camp in Kigoma, Tanzania (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Geneva (VNA)🌞 – Vietnam has called for dialogue and reconciliation to ensure security and human rights in Burundi in the wake of mounting violence in the African nation.
A representative of the Vietnamese permanent mission in Geneva, Switzerland, made the appeal at a special session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on December 17 which was held at the request of some 40 HRC member and observer countries. It drew the participation of representatives from more than 160 member and observer countries and relevant international organisations.
The Vietnamese representative stressed that as a member of the UNHRC, the country closely monitors and shares the international community’s deep concerns over the escalating violence in the central African country.
It condemns violence and human rights violations against civilians, particularly vulnerable groups like women and children.
Vietnam supports necessary assistance by the international community, especially the UN and the African Union (AU), with the agreement of authorities and relevant parties in Burundi, to expeditiously end violence and hold dialogue to seek peaceful solutions, the representative added.
In their reports, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other senior UN and AU officials said the surge of violence in Burundi is pushing the country to the brink of a civil war, posing a risk of relapse into genocide.
They emphasised that attacks by both government and opposition forces have claimed hundreds of lives, many others have been kidnapped and tortured, while more than 200,000 people were forced to seek refuge. Limited access to health care and food has affected people, especially women and children.
The High Commissioner and officials called for urgent actions by the UNHRC and countries around the world to prevent the aggravation of the human rights situation in Burundi.
At the session, more than 70 UNHRC member and observer countries voiced serious concerns over the growing violence in Burundi and demanded the government and opposition sides in the African nation immediately halt violence against civilians and swiftly hold substantive dialogues to seek political solutions to the domestic conflict. They also asked the UN to enhance the implementation and expansion of efforts relating to Burundi within the framework of the UN Security Council and the UNHRC.
Following the discussion, the UNHRC ratified a resolution condemning violence and human rights violations in Burundi. The document also tasked the UN High Commissioner with promoting efforts to learn about the reality, offer technical support and cooperate with the country’s authorities and relevant sides to prevent a risk of more severe human rights violations.-VNA
The Vietnamese delegation took an active part at the just-concluded 30th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister approved a master plan to implement the recommendations Vietnam has accepted in line with the UN’s second-circle universal periodic review (UPR) on human rights.
Vietnam steadfastly pursues the policy of ensuring full enforcement of basic rights and freedom for each citizen, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc has written in an article.
Vietnam is playing its increasingly active role in the global human rights system, Dennis Curry from the UN Development Programme said at a seminar on Dec. 10 in response to World Human Rights Day.
Vietnam has been contributing to protecting and advancing the value of human rights in a direct, responsible and constructive manner during its membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Burundian people at a refuge camp in Kigoma, Tanzania (Photo: AFP/VNA)
