Opening of the high-level segment within the framework of the 61st session of the UNHRC
WVR - On February 23, at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the High-Level Segment within the framework of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was convened.
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| The 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council commenced with a High-Level Segment, attended by over 120 senior representatives from various geographical regions, underscoring the importance of promoting human rights as the world faces unprecedented challenges. (Source: VNA) |
The session was attended by over 120 national leaders, along with the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, and leaders of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations based in Geneva.
In his address, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the international human rights system is facing a “broad and organized assault”. According to him, human rights are being eroded by prolonged conflicts, authoritarianism, growing inequality, misinformation, and the misuse of new technologies. He warned that when human rights are undermined, peace, development, and security will quickly collapse as well.
The United Nations Secretary-General reaffirmed the irreplaceable role of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), viewing them as crucial tools to hold nations accountable and protect human dignity amid the current global instability.
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| United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaking at the session. (Source: VNA) |
Echoing this message, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the world as witnessing a worrying rise in centralized power models and the weakening of the rule of law in many countries. He warned of the risk of technology, artificial intelligence, and natural resources being manipulated for the benefit of a few, severely harming fundamental rights and freedoms.
However, High Commissioner Volker Türk also highlighted a hopeful aspect: people around the world are still demanding justice, equality, access to essential services, and a future based on human rights. He urged member states not to turn their backs on universal values but to strengthen international human rights standards more robustly.
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| The session was attended by over 120 national leaders, along with the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, and leaders of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations based in Geneva. (Source: VNA) |
Meanwhile, United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock emphasized that human rights cannot remain mere political statements but must be manifested through concrete actions. She warned that silence, indifference, or delay in the face of human rights violations equates to accepting their continuation. According to her, the responsibility to protect human rights is not confined to a few countries or regions but is a collective obligation of the entire international community.
From the host country's perspective, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis reaffirmed Switzerland's long-standing commitment to protecting and promoting human rights, highlighting Geneva's special role as a center for multilateral dialogue. He argued that in a polarized world with increasing conflicts, Geneva should continue to be a neutral space where nations can engage in frank dialogue for the dignity and rights of humanity.
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| Ambassador Mai Phan Dũ=ung (middle row, far right) and the Vietnamese inter-sectoral delegation at the opening of the High-Level Segment within the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, February 23. (Source: VNA) |
At the session, the Vietnamese delegation, led by Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Head of the Vietnamese Delegation in Geneva, will actively participate and contribute to discussions on key issues, including climate change, children's rights, the right to food, the rights of persons with disabilities, and common concerns of the international community.
The Vietnamese delegation is expected to actively and proactively engage in the consultation process of 36 Resolutions of the Session, with two initiatives: a Joint Statement on gender equality in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and organizing a side event with South Korea, Japan, and Thailand on the impact of online fraud on human rights.
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| Vietnam is expected to actively and proactively engage in the consultation process of 36 Resolutions of the Session. (Source: VNA) |
The 61st Session will continue to be held in person, expected to last from February 23 to March 31, including numerous dialogues and discussions: 7 thematic discussions on various topics; 30 dialogues with Special Procedures; review and discussion of 84 thematic reports; and adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Reports of 14 countries.
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| The 61st Session will continue to be held in person, expected to last from February 23 to March 31. |
