Vietnam stresses need to observe law of the sea at UNSC’s open debate

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung at the event.

The international community has been confronting major threats and challenges stemming from the disrespect for and violations of the core principles of the UN Charter and the UN General Assembly Resolution 2625 on “The Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States,” Trung told the UNSC’s virtual debate on “Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Contemporary Drivers of Conflict and Insecurity.”

He particularly underscored the importance of the principles concerning sovereignty equality, no use of force or threat to use force, and settlement of international disputes via peaceful means.

Such disrespect and violations are behind tensions, confrontations and conflicts all over the world, he said, citing the interference in domestic affairs of states; the complex developments of the arms race, notably in nuclear energy; and violations of the UNCLOS 1982 as examples.

Describing COVID-19 as a non-traditional security challenge, Trung urged all actors to heed the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, and member states to exercise restraint to stop the escalation of tensions and hold dialogues to seek long-term solutions.

Trung also highlighted the need to lift unilateral sanctions that hamper socio-economic development and livelihoods of people living in war-torn regions.

He went on to say that multilateralism must be further enhanced and the UN should play a central role in strengthening international partnerships to harmonize interests of member states and beefing up cooperation with regional organisations.

The UNSC must make the best use of available tools, such as preventive diplomacy, and improve the effectiveness of its peacekeeping operations, he said.

Additionally, the UNSC must address the root causes of conflicts and insecurity by engaging in all stages, from prevention, early warnings to proposing solutions for post-conflict recovery and sustainable development, the Deputy Minister added.

Vietnam rose from the ashes of war and became a middle-income country, he continued, together with other ASEAN member states, it is striving to develop a cohesive ASEAN Community of sharing and cooperation, a peaceful, stable Southeast Asia and a regional environment for friendship, partnership and prosperity.

The virtual debate was presided over by Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which holds November’s presidency, and attended by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.

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