The 39th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) opened in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 10, attended by representatives of 47 member countries, more than 100 observer states and international and non-governmental organisations. 

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Ambassador Duong Chi Dung, head of the permanent Vietnamese mission to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva. 

In her opening remarks, new UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet stressed that human rights issues should be addressed with consensus reached by the council’s member countries despite their differences, especially in politics. 

Cooperation between parties through multilateral mechanisms can tackle many challenges facing the world, she said, underlining the need for the council to make efforts to reach consensus and tighten collaboration between the countries to maintain core principles and common goals. 

She called on all countries to protect and promote human rights without discrimination. 

Bachelet committed to promoting civil, political, economic, cultural and social rights, along with the rights to development, for a world of peace and sustainable development. 

On this occasion, Ambassador Dung said Vietnam will continue to constructively contribute to the council’s operation and noted his hope that cooperation between the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Vietnam will continue to develop. 

The session, to last until September 28, is expected to adopt more than 20 draft resolutions.-VNA