Vietnam calls for augmented efforts to protect civilians in conflicts
Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang underscored the critical importance of protecting civilians in armed conflicts while addressing an annual open debate on the issue held by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 25.
The UNSC open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts on May 25 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) –Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang underscored the critical importance ofprotecting civilians in armed conflicts while addressing an annual open debateon the issue held by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 25.
In his remarks, Giang, who isPermanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, pointed out the fact that theinternational community is facing major challenges to civilian protection suchas wars and large-scale conflicts in many places and the complex COVID-19situation, especially in conflict-hit areas. Those lingering problems havebecome even more complicated due to new crises, particularly the food crisisand supply chain disruptions.
Meanwhile, resources for theprotection of civilians have been reduced as the international community has toreserve them for resolving new challenges.
As such, the most importantthing now is to pay due attention to protecting civilians in conflicts;promoting the parties involved in conflicts to comply with the UN Charter,international law and international humanitarian law, including the UNSC’sResolution 2573; and boosting countries’ sense of responsibility towardscivilian protection, he said.
He called on the internationalcommunity to take urgent measures, increase humanitarian aid, and help increasecountries and communities’ resilience to security challenges, including climatechange.
Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang addresses the debate on May 25. (Photo: VNA)
In the long term, Giangstressed, it is necessary to step up the settlement and prevention of conflictson the basis of enhanced cooperation between the UN, countries, regional organisations,and the private sector.
Vietnam thoroughly understandswar consequences and sympathises with armed conflicts’ losses and aftermath sufferedby civilians, the ambassador noted, adding that it will keep contributing tocommon international efforts to protect civilians in conflicts.
At the debate, speakers voicedtheir concern that most of the recent casualties in armed conflicts are stillcivilians, with over 11,000 deaths in 2021 and 84 million others made homeless.
They also pointed out otherworrying trends, appealing to the UNSC and the international community to helppromote peaceful solutions to conflicts, ensure the parties involved inconflicts adhere to international humanitarian law, facilitate access tohumanitarian aid, and properly handle infringements.
UNSC member states emphasisedthe need for stronger efforts and more practical actions to minimise civilian casualtiesand deal with urgent challenges like conflict-driven hunger. Many alsohighlighted the importance of complying with international humanitarian law andfully implementing UNSC resolutions, especially Resolution 2573 on theprotection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population./.
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), has called on parties involved in the Russia-Ukraine tensions to exercise restraint, stop the use of force, resume dialogue, and seek long-term solutions to differences.
Vietnam shared experience and achievements in clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from the war with the international community at a symposium themed “Safe ground, safe steps, safe home” held in the framework of the Mine Action Week hosted by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) on April 4.
Vietnam has highlighted the significance of maintaining peace for the promotion of global development at the high-level virtual meeting of the Group of Friends of Global Development Initiative (GDI), which was held in New York on May 9 with the theme “Deepening Cooperation under Global Development Initiative for Accelerated Implementation of the 2030 Agenda”.
Vietnam considers food security as the foundation of peace, stability and development, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations stated at an open debate on conflict and food security held by the UN Security Council (UNSC) in New York on May 19.
The Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations co-organised an online debate on May 24 that highlighted the importance of protecting water sources and water supply infrastructure in armed conflicts.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
The facility was established in response to a growing shift in the Filipino labour force from the Middle East to Japan, where workers are seeking safer working environments.
In the latest Indonesia-US trade agreement in July, the US administration agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff, which was initially set at 32% by US President Donald Trump last April, to 19%.
Real estate agency ERA Singapore estimated that there are 2,703 condo developments in Singapore today, of which 836 or 31% are at least 30 years old. In 10 years, this number is expected to climb to 1,160, assuming none is sold en bloc.
The new framework is designed to ensure that incoming investments deliver tangible national benefits, such as the creation of high-quality jobs for Malaysians and the development of local company ecosystems and technologies.
Singapore led with a total of 8.8 billion USD in realised investment, followed by Hong Kong and mainland China, Malaysia, and Japan with 8 billion USD, 1.7 billion USD and 1.6 billion USD, respectively.
Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on August 7 outlined his strategy for tackling drug problems in Thailand, aiming for a "Zero Drugs Thailand" within three months.
The US has described Malaysia's role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as vital in helping ease tension between Thailand and Cambodia.
Indonesia ranks as the world's sixth-largest gold reserve holder, producing an estimated 160 to 200 tonnes annually, mainly through major state-owned enterprises. Despite this, much of the mined gold is held or traded abroad. In 2024 alone, Indonesia exported gold worth 5.4 billion USD while reimporting 2.6 billion USD worth of the metal.
Cambodia and Thailand vowed not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions, including entering the other side’s air space and territory, and refrain from constructing or enhancing military infrastructure.
Trenggono emphasised that the Indonesian government aims to increase the total coverage of MPAs to 97.5 million hectares by 2045. This initiative forms a key component of the “Golden Indonesia 2045” vision, which prioritises sustainable maritime development and environmental protection.
The UNSC open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts on May 25 (Photo: VNA) 
Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang addresses the debate on May 25. (Photo: VNA) 
