Ambassador Đặng Đình Quý spaeks at the opening debate of the UN Security Council in New York on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo

NEW YORK — Ambassador Đặng Đình Quý, head of the Việt Nam permanent mission to the United Nations, reiterated the commitment made by ASEAN countries to protect civilians during armed conflicts during a speech on behalf of the bloc at the opening debate of the UN Security Council in New York on Thursday.
According to Quý, ASEAN nations had taken responsibility for protecting civilians during armed conflicts and that this task must be carried out in accordance with the UN Charter and with respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of host countries.
ASEAN welcomed the assignment of peacekeeping missions to protect civilians but believed the most effective measure was to prevent conflict, promote peace and conduct diplomacy work, he said.
Countries in the bloc shared regional experience in preventive diplomacy and appealed for stronger co-operation between ASEAN and the UN in experience sharing and training for participating in UN peacekeeping activities, he added.
The ambassador said that as a country that had fought many wars for national independence and sovereignty, Việt Nam sympathised with the pains of civilians in armed conflicts.
He called upon conflicting parties to abide by international humanitarian laws and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and emphasised that UN peacekeeping missions should take into account their locations, as well as the importance of the participation of locals in this process to enhance their capacity in self-protection to prevent the escalation of conflicts.
Ambassador Quy said Việt Nam was committed to contributing to international efforts, including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Việt Nam attached great importance to training on international humanitarian law and had a zero-tolerance policy over sexual abuse in peacekeeping activities, he added.
The debate saw the participation of nearly 80 UN member countries, the International Committee of the Red Cross and some regional organisations.
Countries stressed the need to increase multilateral co-operation between the UN and regional organisations while integrating civilian protection issues into other activities of the UN on disarmament, human rights protection and sustainable development.
Many participants emphasised the significance of enhancing training for peacekeeping soldiers, increasing co-ordination with local communities and promoting the role of women and youths in the field. —VNS