Vietnam highlights people as main driving force behind development process

The debate saw countries recognise that the world is facing plenty of global challenges, many of which seriously impact the general enjoyment of human rights.

Amid these challenges nations have come together to emphasise the universal value, interdependence, and inseparability of human rights as affirmed in the 1993 Vienna Declaration and Program of Action.

They have therefore called for the promotion of a multilateral, balanced, and inclusive approach, linked to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to both secure and further promote human rights.

In her speech, Le Thi Minh Thoa, deputy permanent representative of Vietnam at the UN, said that although much progress has been made, the guarantee and enjoyment of human rights globally still faces difficulties and obstacles, particularly as it is affected by the impact of unprecedented crises on a global scale.

According to the Vietnamese representative, an important basis for ensuring and promoting human rights is to uphold multilateralism, to strengthen solidarity and co-operation in responding to global challenges, and ensure world peace.

As part of this process, it can be considered necessary to uphold the principles of respecting national independence and sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, objectivity, and non-politicisation in human rights issues.

All human rights should therefore be considered equally, with economic, social, cultural, and development rights being given greater attention.

The most effective way aimed at addressing human rights issues is through constructive dialogue and co-operation aimed at ensuring a better life and dignity for all, Thoa assessed.

On the Vietnamese side, Thoa emphasized that people are always put at the centre, as beneficiaries, and as the main driving force behind the development process moving forward.

The Vietnamese representative also highlighted the efforts, results, and numerous achievements that the country has recorded in this area, including inclusive and sustainable economic growth, legal and institutional reforms aimed at ensuring the best possible outcome, and human rights, especially for vulnerable groups.

As part of the occasion, the Vietnamese representative also thanked the countries that have elected Vietnam to become a member of the Human Rights Council for the second time for the 2023 to 2025 term representing the Asia-Pacific region.

In the spirit of “Mutual Respect, Dialogue and Cooperation, Ensuring All Rights for All”, the country will work closely with other member states and stakeholders to ensure and promote human rights, Thoa added.