The 45th regular session of the Human Rights Council (September 14-October 6, 2020) held in Geneva, Switzerland. — VNA/VNS Photo Tố Uyên

GENEVA — Việt Nam has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and promoting human rights amid the pandemic, supporting international cooperation and multilateral approach to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and promote post-pandemic recovery.

A Vietnamese delegation, led by Ambassador Lê Thị Tuyết Mai – Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, Switzerland, is attending the UN Human Rights Council’s 45th Regular Session (HRC45).

The event, which opened on September 14, brings together representatives from UNHRC’s 47 member countries and over 100 observer countries, international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.

In her speech at the enhanced interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights impact of the COVID-19 pandemic within the framework of the session, the Vietnamese diplomat emphasised that Việt Nam’s anti-pandemic measures carried out in a balanced, effective and low-cost way had brought about important results, contributing to controlling the disease and ensuring economic recovery and development.

Việt Nam attached great importance to socio-economic stability policies and measures to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on livelihoods of Vietnamese people, especially vulnerable groups, towards ensuring that no one is left behind, she said.

Ambassador Mai also highlighted Việt Nam’s activities as the ASEAN Chair in 2020 to promote intra-bloc cooperation and coordination between the bloc with its partners in response to the pandemic, and the country’s involvement in activities and initiatives at the World Health Organisation and relevant international organisations.

The HRC45, which lasts until October 6, is expected to have 36 sessions on numerous human rights-related issues such as cooperation with the UN, representatives and UN mechanisms in the field of human rights.

The Session is scheduled to approve reports of The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) working groups of 12 countries, and adopt 24 Resolutions. — VNS