Geneva (VNA) - Vietnam, on behalf of the Core Group which also includes Bangladesh and the Philippines, will table the 2024 Resolution on Climate Change and Human Rights with the theme of ensuring human rights in the energy transition process at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)’s 56th session that opened in Geneva on June 18.
The resolution has been actively introduced annually by Vietnam, Bangladesh, and the Philippines for the council’s consideration and approval since 2009, with a different theme for each year.
Vietnam's active participation in the development and adoption of this resolution as well as in the activities of the Core Group reflects its efforts in responding to climate change, while also contributing to the implementation of its foreign policy of being proactive and positive in, and responsible for issues of common concern of the international community.
The 56th session, which will last to July 12, is seeing the participation of representatives of 47 member countries and more than 100 observer countries, intergovernmental international organisations and non-governmental organisations based in Geneva.
It is expected that 19 draft resolutions will be introduced for the council to consider and approve.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on June 18, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stressed that in 2023, data gathered by his office shows the number of civilian deaths in armed conflict soared by 72%, with the proportion of women killed doubling and that of children tripling, compared to the year prior.
He called on countries to take actions and work together to find a way back to peace, in line with the UN Charter and international law./.

See more

Vietnamese advised to leave Israel via land border crossings
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel has advised Vietnamese people living there to proactively prepare and seek ways to leave the country via land border crossings, especially toward Jordan or Egypt, when security and safety conditions allow.

Vietnam, New Zealand ties entering strongest phase: diplomat
Vietnam and New Zealand are working toward a breakthrough to achieve a bilateral trade target of 3 billion USD by 2026. Education and training will remain a key pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with diverse joint programmé and attractive scholarships to build a high-quality workforce for the future.

☕ Afternoon briefing on June 17
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

Two-tier local administration model will not negatively impact investment environment: Official
Responding to concerns from international reporters about the potential impact of the reform scheme on the business environment, Deputy Minister of Finance Ho Sy Hung emphasised that the changes will not pose obstacles to investment or business operations.

India seeks high-tech agricultural cooperation with Can Tho
India and Can Tho city agreed to enhance multi-sector bilateral cooperation at a working session on June 17 between municipal leaders and Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya.

NA adopts resolution on VAT reduction, revised law on enterprises
From July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026, the VAT rate will be reduced to 8% from 10% for goods and services specified in Clause 3, Article 9 of the Law on VAT No. 48/2024/QH15.

Quang Ninh’s pilot two-level local government model operates smoothly on day one
Quang Ninh is among the first localities nationwide to pilot the two-tier model, ahead of the full national roll-out scheduled for July 1.

Lawmakers discuss implementation of socio-economic development, state budget plans
The implementation results of socio-economic development plans in 2024 and the first months of 2025 are among issues under discussion on June 17.

☀️ Morning digest on June 17
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last weekend by the Vietnam News Agency.

HCM City gathering marks Vietnam-Philippine strategic partnership
Assoc. Prof. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Vietnam–Southeast Asia Friendship Association described the event as a reflection of the enduring solidarity between the two nations and a shared commitment to a future of deeper, long-term cooperation within the ASEAN community.

Deputy PM optimistic about Australia Ambassador’s new tenure
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son described Australia as one of Vietnam’s most trusted and important partners in the region, with high level of political trust and shared strategic vision on key issues.

Draft revised law looks to establish framework for railway development, investment attraction
Instead of relying solely on ticket revenues, investors may be granted rights to exploit land around railway stations and urban areas, thereby generating resources for reinvestment, accoding to the draft revised law.

President approves sweeping constitutional, administrative overhauls
The reforms included the NA’s resolution on the amendments and supplements to several articles of the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the revised Law on Organisation of Local Government, and the ordinance amending and supplementing Article 10 of the Population Ordinance.

15th NA’s 9th session discusses incentives for UN peacekeeping personnel
During the session, Nguyen Thi Quyen Thanh, a deputy from the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long, proposed that the drafting committee further specify support policies to further encourage and facilitate the participation of women in UN peacekeeping missions.

NA meeting considers personnel affairs
Discussions centred on appointments to the NA Ethnic Council and the NA Committee on Deputy Affairs, as well as personnel proposals to be submitted for consideration at the 15th NA’s ongoing ninth session.

Vietnamese Embassy in Israel urges citizens to prioritise safety amid escalating conflict
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel called on the Vietnamese community to comply strictly with local authorities’ safety regulations and guidance.

OVs in Israel urged to avoid non-essential travel amid escalating tensions
As of the morning of June 16, there have been no reports of Vietnamese citizens injured or killed in the recent waves of attacks and clashes between Israel and Iran.

Australia’s capital pushes for deeper ties with ASEAN
Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam said he hopes that the Canberra administration will continue welcoming Vietnamese delegations for visits and working sessions, viewing such exchanges as vital for enhancing cooperation and understanding between the two nations.

☕ Afternoon briefing on June 16
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

Shared values, multilateral cooperation drive Vietnam–New Zealand ties forward
According to Jessep, shared values and multilateral cooperation have also significantly advanced the bilateral partnership.