Vietnam calls for stronger efforts in protecting civilians in conflicts
Vietnam has called on parties involved in conflicts to strictly comply with international law and international humanitarian law, especially the four 1949 Geneva Conventions and relevant UN resolutions, thus better protecting civilians in conflicts.
Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN (Photo: VNA)
New York (VNA) – Vietnam has called on parties involved in conflicts to strictly comply with international law and international humanitarian law, especially the four 1949 Geneva Conventions and relevant UN resolutions, thus better protecting civilians in conflicts.
The called was made by Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s open debate held on May 21-22 on the protection of civilians in armed conflict in combination with the marking of the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1265 (1999), which first established the protection of civilians as a crucial issue of international peace and security, and the 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
Citing the conflict in Gaza that has killed an average of more than 150 civilians every day over the past seven months, he stressed that the international community and the UNSC should take more effective measures to protect civilians and civil infrastructure works.
The official held that the best way is to unroot the causes of conflict and create favourable conditions for dialogue and reconciliation.
He also highlighted Vietnam's in promoting the protection of civilians, including the bringing of crimes of undermining peace, waging wars of aggression, crimes against humanity, and war crimes into the Penal Code.
As a non-permanent member of the UNSC in the 2020-2021 tenure, Vietnam took charge of drafting and promoted the adoption of Resolution 2573 on protecting essential civil infrastructure in conflicts, while chairing a number of meetings on overcoming the consequences of land mines, preventing sexual violence, and caring for children in conflict, he added.
At the event, which drew representatives from more than 90 member states, UN observers and a number of international organisation, the majority of participants expressed deep concern about the increase in armed conflicts over the past year that led to many dire consequences for civilians.
The latest report by the UN Secretary General showed that more than 33,000 civilians died in conflicts in 2023, an increase of 72% compared to 2022, alarming violations of international humanitarian law and difficulties in accessing humanitarian assistance in conflict areas.
Through participating in UN peacekeeping operations, Vietnam has also effectively contributed to the protection of civilians affected by conflicts on site.
𒐪 Resolution 1265 dated September 17, 1999, for the first time recognised the protection of civilians in conflict as an important issue for international peace and security and became an official annual item on the agenda of the UNSC. Meanwhile, the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and three Additional Protocols are considered the foundation of international humanitarian law to protect victims of armed conflict./.
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, called for enhancing programmes and activities for women capacity building at local, national and international levels in order to promote sustainable peace and women's economic empowerment.
Vietnam has very deftly managed its position as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and has also supported countries like India in addressing issues such as maritime security at the global level.
Vietnam had a successful tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2020-2021, a difficult period for the world and the UNSC in particular due to complicated, uncertain and unprecedented developments in the world.
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The achievements of the five decades of Vietnam–Angola cooperation provide a strong and enduring foundation, as well as momentum for the two sides to consolidate, expand, and bring their partnership into a new phase of development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
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Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
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At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Over the past five decades, the Vietnam - Angola relationship has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
President Luong Cuong called on the two countries to join hands to promote South – South cooperation, contribute to building a fair and equal global political and economic order, safeguard independence and sovereignty, and promote extensive and substantive international solidarity and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong called on the community to remain united, integrate well into local society, adhere to local laws, and continue contributing to both Angola’s development and Vietnam – Angola relations.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Angola Carolina Cerqueira agreed to continue strengthening political trust, boost high-level delegation exchanges via all channels, including the parliamentary one, and create favourable legal conditions for bilateral cooperation.
