Vietnam ensures equal access to justice for all people

Vietnamese representative Minister Counselor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN made the statement at the UN General Assembly (UNGA)’s high-level debate in New York on June 15.

Upon addressing the session themed “Equal access to justice for all: advancing reforms for peaceful, just and inclusive societies”, Thoa, said that equal access to justice plays an important role in ensuring justice and equity, contributing to the achievement of the overarching goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Free or affordable legal aid services are available to ensure the equal supply of opportunities for all people, she said, adding that numerous programmes have been carried out to raise public awareness, eliminate discrimination, and support women, children, people with disabilities and ethnic minorities.

In order to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness in the administration of justice, the judicial system has been continuously strengthened. The country has also improved the capacity of its legal staff and applied technology to modernise court processes and facilitate online proceedings so that justice can be easily accessed by all citizens.

The Vietnamese representative also shared lessons learned in resolving the root causes of injustice such as poverty and inequality, ensuring inclusive economic growth, and improving social welfare and equal opportunities, thus making it possible for everyone to become involved in the development process.

On this occasion, she underlined the need to boost international cooperation, and share experience, knowledge and resources to promote a global environment where justice is accessible to all.

The UNGA debate was chaired by Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the UN, who is Vice President of the 77th UNGA session.