Vietnam will continue in its efforts to protect and promote human rights in general and the rights to freedom of expression and association in particular, Ambassador Pham Quoc Tru, deputy head of the Vietnam’s Mission to the United Nations (UN), has said.

Overview of the UNHRC's session in Geneva, Switzerland (Photo: VNA)

He made the remark at a dialogue with UN Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association on June 10, the first working day of the 26th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

The diplomat said that while Vietnam supports freedom of expression, it shares many countries’ concerns about the rise in actions that take advantage of the freedom to cause disturbance and sabotage national security, social order and public safety.

Vietnam supports ensuring citizens’ rights to expression. However, this is a sensitive issue in which the historical, cultural and religious characteristics of each society must be taken into account, he noted.

In the opening statement for the UN council’s 26th session, High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay highlighted achievements reaped by many countries in protecting and promoting human rights, along with their contributions to UN human rights mechanisms.

However, she also pointed out major challenges that may undermine international efforts in the field, such as armed conflicts, corruption, ill-performing economic, financial and social policies, and climate change.

Pillay called for intensified cooperation across the globe to promote human rights for all, regardless of race, gender trends, religion or economic condition.

The session, running through to June 27, will also discuss the rights of women and children, media freedom and poverty reduction.

It will also consider the approval of the working group reports filed by the Universal Periodic Review of 14 countries, including Vietnam.

Source: vietnamplus.vn