The Vietnamese delegation at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC)’s debate on climate change impacts on vulnerable groups. Photo: VNA

Vietnam took part in several activities held recenlty at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, to share its efforts, achievements and commitment to human rights in responding to climate change, preserving national identity, and ensuring the freedom of religion and belief, according to the World & Vietnam Report.

Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC)’s debate on climate change impacts on vulnerable groups, Assistant to Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet, head of the Vietnamese delegation to the HRC’s 50th regular session, said climate change is posing challenges to communities, countries and all people, especially vulnerable groups.

The international community should step up commitments on climate change response, enhance adaptation and mitigation efforts, and increase support for developing countries in terms of finance, technology and capacity building, he said.

Prolonged drought in the central province of Quảng Trị caused severe damage to local farmers' crops in July last year. Photo: VNA/VNS

Vietnam pledges strong efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the official affirmed, stressing the need to ensure the transition process takes place equally and inclusively with people’s voices heard and their interests ensured, particularly among vulnerable groups.

On the sidelines of the session, Viet and Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organisations and other international organizations in Geneva, chaired the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition on ethnic and religious communities in Vietnam.

In his opening remarks, Viet said the display aims to introduce Vietnam as a “great family” of nearly 100 million members who live harmoniously in diversity, which is reflected in the material and spiritual life of the 54 ethnic groups and the guaranteed freedom of religion and belief. The harmony in diversity can also be seen in the Vietnamese communities’ relations with nature.

Assistant to Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet addresses the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition on Vietnam's ethnic and religious communities on June 28. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

He also highlighted the county’s wish to make more active and responsible contributions to UN goals.

The exhibition is open to diplomatic corps and international organizations in Geneva during the HRC’s 50th session through July 8.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry launched Vietnam's voluntary midterm report on the implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) third cycle recommendations and announced the country's candidacy to the UN Human Rights Council in the 2023-2025 tenure, VietnamPlus said.

Rana Flowers, the acting UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, highly valued Vietnam’s commitments and efforts in promoting human rights, including the implementation of recommendations following the UPR third cycle and the building of the mid-term report, as well as commitments the country has made as a candidate for the UNHRC in the 2023-2025 tenure.

She stressed that there are still many challenges in protecting and promoting human rights. Vietnam has also faced many difficulties in the field, including those pointed out in the report. She affirmed commitments by the UN system to accompany Vietnam in promoting and protecting human rights and promoting principles of international law, thus implementing sustainable development goals and not leaving anyone behind./.

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