Geneva (VNA) – Ambassador Duong Chi Dung, head of Vietnam’sPermanent Mission to the UN, the WTO and other international organisations, isleading a Vietnamese delegation to attend the 42nd session of the UNHuman Rights Council (UNHRC) on the impact of climate change on human rights,which opened in Geneva on September 9.
The event drew the participation of 47 member states, and more than 100observer states, international organisations and non-governmentalorganisations.
In her remarks at the opening session, UN High Commissioner for Human RightsMichelle Bachelet reiterated the priority to promote human rights amid globalclimate change, saying never before has the world faced such a formidablechallenge.
Chaotic weather patterns and other manifestations of the environmentalemergency are reversing major development gains, exacerbating conflict,displacement and social tension, hampering economic growth and shapingincreasingly harsh inequalities, she said.
Bachelet said the UNHRC has a critical role to play, with bothexisting and innovative means to contribute to climate response, pointing outfive key points that should guide global action on climate, including climatechange undermining rights, development and peace; effective climate actionrequiring broad and meaningful participation; actions needed to protect thosewho defend the environment; support for small island nations that suffer themost catastrophic effects of climate change; andthe business community having a significant role in climate action.
Besides, the UN commissioner also drew the UNHRC’s attention to other humanrights situations such as tension in Kashmir, protests in Hong Kong (China),children of migrant families in the US and Mexico, and migrants in theMediterranean Sea.
Welcoming advancement in ensuring human rights in many other nations, she saidthat with strong cooperation, commitment and efforts, the nations will be ableto protect their achievements in ensuring human rights.
The 42nd session, which will last until September 27, is scheduledto pass more than 25 draft resolutions on human rights.-VNA
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