Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VNA) Minh told the event that the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the livesof millions, and affected the well-being of billions around the world, and hasstrained public health and social security systems of all countries, thus triggeringand exacerbating various human rights challenges.
However, Vietnam continues to “put emphasis on theprotection and promotion of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of ourpeople, even in this most difficult of times,” he said, adding that thecountry has tackled the pandemic head on, putting the people at the centre ofall its efforts.
Prompt and determined actions have been taken to control theoutbreaks to protect the health and safety of the people as a matter of toppriority. Efforts are also made to maintain economic growth and social welfare,to leave no one behind.
Thanks to the whole-of-government approach and theoverwhelming support and solidarity of all people, COVID-19 has largely beencontrolled in Vietnam, Minh affirmed.
He went on to say that the Vietnamese economy continued togrow at almost 3 percent in 2020 and timely support has been given tobusinesses and people affected by the pandemic, especially vulnerable groupslike the elderly, women, children and people with disabilities.
“COVID-19 has left no country untouched. No one can be safeuntil everyone is safe. As the international community, we are all in thistogether. Therefore, international solidarity and cooperation is critical tohelp us rise above challenges and move forward,” said the Deputy PM.
Minh took the occasion to thank for the valuable supportfrom partner countries, international organisations, non-governmentalorganisations and people around the world for Vietnam’s fight against thepandemic. He also shared that Vietnam has provided medical masks and supplies tosupport more than 50 countries and international partners in their response tothe pandemic.
As proposed by Vietnam, the UN General Assembly adopted byconsensus a resolution proclaiming December 27 as the International Day ofEpidemic Preparedness to help raise awareness on the importance of preventingand responding to epidemics.
To further contribute effectively to joint efforts inprotecting and promoting human rights, Vietnam presented its candidature formembership of the Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025, he added.
The UNHRC’s 46th regular session is taking placefrom February 22 to March 23 to discuss measures to promote and protect humansrights in all civil, political, socio-economic and cultural aspects.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, chaired by President of the UNHRC Nazhat Shameem Khan, UN Secretary-General AntonioGuterres emphasised that human rights are the basis for connecting humanity,resolving conflicts and building sustainable peace and the UNHRC is the mainglobal body to address challenges on human rights.
He said that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated human rightschallenges and seriously affected vulnerable groups. He called for joint actions in priority areas of anti-racism, anti-discrimination and anti-xenophobia, andgender equality.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bacheletstressed pandemic response measures should be carried out on the basis ofensuring human rights, the community’s trust and democratic institutions effectively./.
VNA
