Empowering Women and Ensuring Social Welfare: Vietnam's Agenda at the UNHRC

09-07-2023

Lone de Chene

South East Asia and Pacific Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence.

Assistant to the Vietnamese Foreign Minister, Nguyen Minh Vu, led a Vietnamese delegation to the 53rd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. The session covered crucial topics such as women's rights, climate change, and extreme poverty. During the discussions, Vu reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to social security and non-discrimination, emphasizing that these principles are enshrined in the country's Constitution and laws.

Regarding women's rights and social welfare, Vu highlighted the active role of Vietnamese women and their organizations in shaping development and social welfare policies. He emphasized Vietnam's dedication to empowering women and girls, as well as enhancing the involvement of women's organizations at all levels. The aim is to ensure social welfare for women in the future. Vu stressed the remarkable results achieved by Vietnam on both regional and global fronts in this regard.

When it came to climate change and the right to food, Vu showcased Vietnam's efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized Vietnam's commitment to transparent, responsible, and sustainable food production and supply, aligning with its commitment at the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit. Vu emphasized the need to consider specific circumstances in each country and involve relevant parties to successfully transition food systems in response to climate change.

Apart from participating in the sessions, Vu engaged in meetings with high-ranking officials. Vietnam's active participation in the UNHRC sessions and engagements with international officials reflect its commitment to promoting human rights, equality, social welfare, climate action, and poverty eradication. The country advocates for international cooperation in addressing global challenges and demonstrates its role as a responsible global actor.

Sources and further readings:

(2023, July 4). Vietnam advocates int’l cooperation to ensure human rights amid global challenges. Vietnam Plus. https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-advocates-intl-cooperation-to-ensure-human-rights-amid-global-challenges/255724.vnp